Wulfric & Drake
If nothing else, Drakeâs penchant for theatricality drew out a smirk from him.
âGood evening, Drake,â he greeted.
âOr should I greet you as the Musician?â he joked lightly.
âYour visage is recognizable despite the mask, you do realize?â he pointed out, entertained by the lordâs actions. Wulfric then moved onto the next immediate point he was curious about.
âWas Princess Sadie unable to come?â he inquired, genuinely intrigued. He had seen them together this morning, and suspected Drake had been waiting for her. Possibly, the lord was now sans a date. All things considered, it was a decent opportunity to draw the man into a (preferably private) conversation.
With a light tap of his cane, Drake humored the manâs deduction.
âIs the costume so easily taken apart? Or are you perhaps far too good of a detective, Sir Danrose?â He lightheartedly joked. He would sound more chipper than usual to those who know him in passing. If he was to play a character, why not exaggerate his social quirks and make some fun out of it?
âWell, you may call me whatever pleases you most, Sir Raven.â He yet again poked fun at the costumes they both wore.
âI like to keep a smidgen of mystique to the identity. Like a good mystery novel, leaving just enough clues for the reader to piece them together.â He chuckled softly.
âAs for Miss CamiliaâŚ.â He paused for a moment, a slight dip in his voice as he softly lamented at the lost chance of a date with his crush. But it was quickly brushed off as he continued.
âShe is unable to make it this evening. So I am but a lone bachelor this fine evening. I take it you share a similar fate as my own? Perhaps we could make the night a little less lonely for one another? At least for a spell.â A friendly smile found its way on Drakeâs face, a picture perfect show of perfectly innocent intentions.
âA pinch of detecting, a dash of the obvious,â Wulfric returned, playing along. Heâd met Drake enough times, and realized the man was enjoying the event. And why not?
âWhat is a masquerade without some mystique?â he agreed. It was one of the reasons he had decided on a full costume.
âThat is unfortunate, but I am certain the two of you will meet again. From what I could see, you got along very well.â Thinking of the potential couple, Wulfric felt a hint of playfulness, and indulged it.
âOnly take care not to get headhunted by Varian, hm? If I were to find myself without one of my future dukes, I would face a conundrum indeed,â he commented slyly.
He chuckled at Drakeâs invitation. It was a tad suggestive in ways the man may or may not have intended. Wulfric didnât mention that, however.
âThe night is still young! Do not mourn it yet for a lack of company.â The prince appeared to be in a good mood - or perhaps, in a theatrical one.
âBut yes, let us catch up.â He did want to exchange more than a few words in passing with the man.
âHow have you been?âDrake smiled at the princeâs humor, and felt it falter slightly thinking about his missing date. It was true he was concerned, but he also had to realize in the world of politics people often led busy lives. To be caught up over one missed evening would be rather uncouth of him, and it was here that his general mood about the situation turned around.
With a playful shrug, he merely noted,
âWell, they can try to headhunt me if they wish, but my country is still my priority, Iâll have you know.â He snickered at the thought.
âPrincess Camilia does not strike me as the âsteal a dukeâ type, if Iâm being frank. But I shall keep my head on a swivel, lest a certain prince grow jealous of my absence.â Drake added another friendly quip with the slightest hint of sass in his voice. He now found himself wondering just how much Wulfric may have missed about the young man since they last talked.
âYou know - I truthfully canât recall the last time weâve gotten the chance to chat like this. Itâs been too long, Wulfric.â Drake thinks for a moment on just what it is heâs been up to - more or less the same in all honesty, but he couldnât just throw a boring old answer like that in front of Prince Danrose like that. He walked along with the man across the gala - partaking briefly in the sights and sounds of the party but mostly giving Wulfric his full attention.
âIâm sure you are fully aware of the various practices and paperwork behind becoming a Prince, let alone a Duke. I keep up with the growing mountain of duties as well as my personal hobbies. I keep the shooting arm well kept, and Iâve been keeping after the Hareluck Tolmes series if you are familiar. That ace detective is quite the fellow - and his deduction is unmatched. Iâve grown quite fond of the character if I do say so myself. Ah, but Iâm rambling - how have you fared, friend?ââThat is good to know,â Wulfric remarked, audibly pleased. A self-proclaimed romantic like Drake could very well get drawn into another country if it was for love.
âOh, I am sure Princess Sadie would do no such thing intentionally,â he commented dryly. The following jealousy comment prompted a small scoff.
âSave the coquetry for someone who will appreciate it,â he dismissed, but Drake would realize the prince hadnât even been moved to exasperation. Wulfric knew it was only a jest on the lordâs part, and this was
far from the likes of sleazy, insulting remarks Cassius had thrown around.
He sighed as Drake pointed out that it had been too long since theyâve last had a proper talk.
âIt has,â he agreed. He considered the man a good colleague, even a friend, but their respective duties left a slim chance for casual chats, let alone for profound discussions that werenât work related. The two traversed the ballroom, and Wulfric casually observed the proceedings, though at the moment, nothing in particular drew his attention.
âYes, at times it feels as if the more I do, the more there still remains to attend to,â Wulfric chuckled. However, he sounded far from upset or even tired at the prospect. Drake had long since pegged him as a âworkaholicâ. Of course, the prince, whenever he heard such a descriptor, countered with the fact that he took daily breaks â he would risk going stir-crazy otherwise.
âWe should go on a hunt sometime,â Wulfric mused. Perhaps, they could invite some others too, and make it into a group outing.
âAh, yes,â he nodded, recognizing the series Drake mentioned.
ââIt is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data,ââ he quoted one of his favourite lines.
âIf only life were as neatly ordered as a detective novelâŚâ The unsolvable mysteries of life did have their own wondrous allure, which he could appreciate. Yet, for his concrete problems, he fervently wished for
answers.
âRecentlyâŚâ he began, taking a moment to collect his thoughts.
âI have had many concerns lately.â Wulfric then went on to summarize some recent happenings, noting what he considered the key issues; the Alidasht guestsâ displeasure and the need to better their diplomatic relations, Duke Lorenzoâs mishaps and his unsuitability for public appearances, that damned party and the guestsâ missing memories, the perplexing murder investigation, the shooting at Calbertâs house, and even his younger siblingsâ penchant for getting into trouble. The latter, of course, wasnât out of the ordinary, but they ever did find new ways for it.
âAh, but excuse me,â he caught himself after a while.
âI have slipped entirely into business matters.âDrake steered the two towards a quiet little pocket in the ballroom. Through some mild observations and deduction, he surmised little foot traffic came through this area. Once the two parked, he continued their conversation.
âYou know, I do believe you, and the logic is sound. But I am the romantic type, so I canât help but always have that fleeting feeling for the what-ifs.â He smiled at that statement, and began to absorb the strife of the prince as Wulfric listed his concerns.
As Wulfric finished, Drake nodded in agreement.
âQuite the turmoil you find yourself in, Wulfric. But with a kingdom like this I guess high society seldom sleeps.â He took a slight pause to think of a form of response.
âDuke Lorenzo is a sort of variable that not even the gods can predict. So trying to worry much over him might do you more harm than good. Or maybe he simply needs something to misdirect all of that latentâŚenergy of his? Something like a party or some form of project to keep him on his feet and out of your hair perhaps? Merely conjecture of course.âAs a nearby waiter carried fancy glasses of champagne around, Drake hailed them down to procure two glasses for the pair. He handed one to Wulfric and continued.
âEverything else seems to almost be happening in unison with one another. Almost like they all share a common affinity to give people like you more sleepless nights. As someone who is among the lesser to middle levels of nobility, I assure you the chatter has been all gossip and no brass. People are merely excited to have something interesting to muck over at tea parties but in the public eye things arenât any worse than usual.â The âthan usualâ was the key word choice there. Obviously the public was upset over many things, but to chalk it up to solely recent events would be folly. The mischief surrounding the guests and missing memories and murder mysteries were only part of the whole picture when it came to civil unrest in Drakeâs mind.
âAh, and how great minds function similarly. Here I am counseling you as if I had authority to do so. Forgive my boldness. You were talking about a hunt, yes? I would actually rather enjoy that. Maybe even a good horseback ride through the countryside. Gives us both a reason to leave the office perhaps?ââBecause there is no rest for the wicked?â Wulfric quipped. There was an innate irony to commenting on high societyâs lack of sleep in the middle of a party, whether Drake had meant it or not. At the segue to his least favourite duke, the prince felt his lips curl in reflexive distaste. Even so, he had to reluctantly admit,
âIt isnât as if his management of Veirmont is lacking. Which was the closest he would come to giving Lorenzo a
Fcompliment.
âHowever, it is as if someone has excised the parts of the manâs mind required for comprehending the subtleties of politics. If you were fanciful, I suppose you might say he was cursed.â Despite his harsh words, he had some ideas on how to handle Duke Vikena, but kept them to himself.
And truthfully, the unfortunate duke, as haphazard as he was, wasnât even the priority concern.
âThere is rarely only one problem to deal with at a time,â he noted, an amused scoff escaping him. However, his entertainment was as fleeting as a stray blossom blasted by a sudden gust of wind - and just as violently replaced by a sourer mood.
âI hope you do not believe me to be primarily concerned by idle gossip.â He did not miss what Drake was alluding to.
âIf none of this is âworse than the usualâ, then âthe usualâ is much more dire than I realized.âHe frowned when the lord seemingly backed down. Yes, he was displeased, but not with
Drake - merely with the situation at hand.
âDrake,â he stated matter-of-factly.
âI appreciate your counsel; in fact, I prefer to have it. I would much rather openly discuss any and all issues rather than have you attempt to spare my feelings.âHe let that sink in, giving Drake a long moment to fully take it in. Then, he addressed Drakeâs offer to hunt or to ride together.
âBut to answer your last question: yes, I would enjoy that as well.âDrake placed his chin between his thumb and index finger, a resting point for him as he reflectively spoke aloud.
âI fancy myself a man of fanciful persuasion. Cursed is an apt description for such a man. No offense to the guy, he seems to mean well but sometimes his actions either land short or cause horrendous consequences.âIt was here the Prince seemed to put on an air of dissatisfaction with the implications of Drakeâs words. But Drake couldnât help but notice the compliment Wulfric paid him just before. To have someone of Prince Danroseâs prestige consider Drakeâs opinion to be a worthwhile one, well Drake couldnât help but feel slightly giddy at the thought. But he straightened his composure all the same and addressed the slight concern.
âNot to say things are more dire than before, but it could very well lead that way. It definitely feels like some things may be stirring beneath the surface. Call me paranoid but I canât help but think this recent chaos is but the tip of the iceberg.â He stopped for a moment to enjoy his beverage, and let loose a relaxed breath.
âBut with people like you at the helm itâs this country's only shot at pushing back any ill-wishing third parties. So to that I offer my utmost support at any time.â Drake raises his glass in a form of toast to Wulfric.
Wulfric huffed.
âYes, I am not surprised such a descriptor for Lorenzo strikes your fancy.â He nodded at Drakeâs following words.
âThat has been my impression as well. And I do not like the feeling of what might be underlying.â He raised his own glass, and with a delicate motion, lightly knocked it against the lordâs.
âTo destroying the countryâs enemies, and to bringing order and prosperity to our citizens,â he toasted.
âI appreciate your support, Drake. That said, are there any specific concerns or information you would like to bring to my attention?âDrake clanked his glass against Wulfricâs, enjoying the toast and nodding in agreement. Then as he posed his question he thought on what exactly he knew would be relevant for the man.
âAbout the countryâs enemies? Sadly nothing much, yet. I might have to dust off the old trenchcoat and try out some investigative work like our favorite novel detective.â He chuckled at the idea, but his tone definitely contained a slightly serious tone.
âI suppose there is one concern of mine. I sadly came across some tabloids, really should avoid the damned things. But a headline about Callum being beaten in an alley made me worry for his health. But obviously thatâs not the only thingâŚâDrake hesitated for a moment, and added an addendum to his original thought.
âJust know I hope this part doesnât stir any grand reaction. I merely tell you out of respect - not distaste or malcontent. But it would appear that your brother fancies my sister - or more aptly - she fancies him. Still working out the details myself. But this is all rather new - so please take it with a grain of salt.âWulfric nodded at Drakeâs reply.
âIf you come across something, let me know.â He issued a grumbling noise at the mention of Callum.
âHe is fine - or so he claims,â his tone of voice said it all for him. He didnât believe for a second that his brother was âfineâ. At times, he suspected his addiction had already begun rotting his brain. By the Gods, it better hadnât.
âApparently, heâd been out picking a fight for some reason,â he shook his head in disbelief.
âI do not know why; I wish I understood him better.â Or rather, he wished Callum wouldnât act in such a bizarre manner. He had but faint hope that his brotherâs involvement in a charity project would help in that regard.
Even though Drake was exceedingly cautious in relaying his next piece of information, Wulfric merely nodded.
âYes, I have noticed them get along at the Princesâ Court, and have heard some rumours after the Tea Party. By how some people describe it, those two might as well already be in a relationship,â he drawled, subtly mocking how easily the public jumped to conclusions.
âPersonally, I do not mind even if they do begin to court. I am unsure about my parents, but I suspect your mother at least would view Callum as a corruptive influence on Ariella.â He tilted his head, studying Drake for a beat.
âHowever, I would caution that if that is your concern too, your sister most likely knows what kind of man my brother is already, and still wishes to get closer.â He believed the young lord would get the point; Ariella was surely no naive lady being led astray.
The man nodded.
âWell, firstly, I am glad he is okay. I was merely making sure one of the three princes of the throne wasnât casually beaten to death in all honesty. But you make a point - sometimes he does seem to simply incur the wrath of passersby.â Drake frowned, wondering just what it might be that drives the man to find himself in such scenarios. At the mention of his mother, even Drake had to throw a side glance in an awkward direction. As if he was avoiding the idea of thinking about her.
âUnfortunately, you are not far off the mark. I donât think he would be a corrupting influence per se. I justâŚâ He sighed.
âMy sister, as you say, is very capable. She has handled our motherâs scrutiny for her entire life. I would love to support her, to give her everything I can to make her have a great life and all - it just seems as of late that my words mean very little to her.âDrake paused to take a drink, reflecting back to the argument they had earlier in the evening.
âFrankly, I do not particularly care who she courts so long as they treat her right and fairly. But if a man is not even worried about his own well being then how can I even begin to think heâll take care of others in his life, such as my sister?â His words, albeit pointed, were the real concern behind this entire topic. He raised his hand and closed his eyes for a moment, as if to calm his nerves slightly.
âApologies. That was rather direct of me to say. Perhaps I am overthinking the whole debacle. What say you, Wulfric? Yours is a counsel I could probably use, in all honesty.âWulfric listened to the man as he said his piece.
âNoâŚit is a valid concern. I doubt Callum is aware how his reckless and nonchalant attitude could have consequences for someone else.â The prince grew thoughtful as he considered how Callum had been concerned for Anastasia, and even for Fletcher after the whole party debacle. However, after the initial shock had worn off, had his brother brushed off the event? He was uncertain.
âI will say that if given the chance, Callum would do what he could to protect someone close to him.â Now, whether his youngest sibling was
able to protect someone else was another matter entirely. Wulfric didnât fault Drake for having his doubts.
He huffed and took a sip of his drink as the lord asked for counself.
âWell, I can say that trying to parent your siblings doesnât work. Believe me, I have tried for years,â he drawled. He issued a prolonged exhale.
âAuguste is very good with them, you know?â Wulfric offered.
âFrom what Iâve observed, it is a combination of exceeding patience, a wealth of empathy, and very gentle, kind expressions of concern that rarely make the other party defensive.â He shrugged, swirling the drink within his glass.
âIf nothing else, suggest she takes up self-defense. She might appreciate learning such a thing âin secretâ, and it is a good skill to have.ââSpeaking of your sister, is she attending Lord Ravenwoodâs event?âDrake gave the prince a smirk at his suggestion.
âYou know what, that isnât a bad idea. Might just have to suggest that to her in passing. She is the type to keep her little secrets.â He crossed his arms in mild contemplation as he thought of just what
kind of self defense she might try to learn, given her history of charms, trinkets, and potions. But once Wulfric posed his second question Drake took no hesitation in providing a vague yet hopefully satisfactory answer.
âOh, as much as she would love to, I believe she is somewhere around here. Likely not in the gown mother picked for her and even more likely hiding away until she feels she has paid her pittance in âtime wastedâ at such an event. She begged me not to hound her tonight so I am letting her have her space as such.â Although only a white lie, it still did not feel great coming from Drakeâs mouth in order to keep his sisterâs whereabouts covered. The young duke figured this would be the perfect test for Prince Callum to prove he is capable of looking after his dear sister, if anything.
âIs it safe to assume Prince Callum is there or is he off on his own adventure this evening?ââYou do that.â For a moment, Wulfric wondered how the suggestion would be met by Ariella, but dismissed it as none of his business. Drakeâs explanation on his sisterâs whereabouts received a hum of faux interest. The prince thought it likely that Ariella was at the other event - or perhaps, might escape to it later on. However, at least for now, it wasnât his problem. If all went well, it wouldnât become one in the future.
âOh, yes, I am certain Callum is at Ravenwoodâs gathering,â he replied casually.
âIt isâŚhis kind of thing, so to say. Thankfully, I know Varians generally take good care of their guests.â Naturally, he expected there to be intoxication. Northern Varians had strange herbs they smoked - or was it herbal infusions they drunk? Either way, it should be nothing like Delronzoâs party. Of course, his siblings were prone to finding their own sources of trouble. With a silent sigh, Wulfric took another sip of alcohol to alleviate the tension he could feel creeping up on him.
Noticing the tension in the manâs composure, Drakeâs expression softened and tinked his glass onto Wulfricâs in a mock toast of sorts. The Duke-to-be took his mask off, and looked at the Prince with a genuine grin as he spoke.
âWhatever troubles find us in the eve, may they be lesser in the morrow.â He raised his glass once more, only fragments of the original drink even left at this point.
âTo the future of this country, and to the good health of those we care about.âDrake clinked glasses with Wulfric and continued their idle chit-chat until something would pry one away from the other. He felt a sense of ease from having spoken to the man, and was grateful for the opportunity for the night to not be a complete wash in terms of social interaction. As for what the rest of the night had in store, well, that was yet to be seen.
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