SilverSpring

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Ariella & Drake

Part 1

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”Drake!” Ari exclaimed excitedly, grabbing his arm with enthusiasm.”So great to see you brother of mine” she smiled widely. As they began walking she started interrupting people as they passed by ”This is my brother!” she would say in an attempted whispered tone but instead she continued to shout, met by glares and confused looks.

The world may have been spinning slightly, but Drake did his best to hold her together. Even as her steps felt disconnected, he grounded her just enough to make it seem natural. Ariella wasn’t being forced anywhere—if anything she was the driving force behind their direction outside of a few gentle words from Drake in the form of ”Oop.”, ”This way now.”, and ”Careful, Ari.”.

The lounge near the bar was private enough. It held just enough privacy that they could talk freely. However if someone was curious or nosey enough they could certainly still slip by and seem inconspicuous.

Drake’s arms gave her more support as she was delicately placed onto the arm chair. Once seated, he took his own seat next to her and felt himself sink a little. Not out of anything negative but simply…because he had not taken a seat all night. His legs suddenly ached with the stress of being on his feet and so he couldn’t help but sigh while he looked at his sister.

”Ahh…” she let out a satisfied sigh as she fell back into the chair, her feet dangling just below her as she wiggled her sore toes.


”So. What was his name?”

Blinking, Ari looked around for a moment, dramatically shifting in the chair to nearly peek around it before looking back at her brother.

”Who’s name?”She asked slightly confused.

”Oh come now. I saw the way your eyes were. Like you were on the cusp of the world’s greatest daydream until your stuffy older brother came to be all safe and practical near you.” He chuckled and took a sip of his drink.

”What is the name of the man who made you cast such a lovestruck gaze?”

Just as Ari was about to respond, an attendant swung by offering a silver platter with a single drink on it. ”Another?” he said looking at Ari with bright eyes and a warm smile.

”Wow! Thank you!”she responded grateful taking the drink allowing the attendant to leave rather swiftly.

When the attendant came to Drake he held his hand up in silent rejection, flashing his half finished bourbon. ”I’m fine, thank you.”

Taking a long sip Ari looked over at her brother with a guilty expression she couldn’t hide even if she tried. ”Hardly lovestruck…” Ari finally managed ”I had my very first dance this evening and it was…fun. If you must know”

There was a hint of playful annoyance in her voice as she looked away, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cheeks pinken.

"And... and he asked me." She pointed a finger at him as if that somehow proved her case. "It wasn't a pity dance, either."

”I would hope so!” Drake playfully interjected.

She took another quick sip of her cocktail before adding, perhaps a little too quickly, "Besides, I've had... I don't know how many of these things. You're probably just noticing that."

The excuse sounded weak even to her ears, and the faint pink creeping across her cheeks did absolutely nothing to support it.

He took another sip. Drake’s eyes scanned her subtle and not so subtle tells. ”Well the rosey cheeks could be explained with alcohol. But you speak quite fondly of the dance.”

Drake crossed one leg over the other, leaning an elbow onto the arm rest and placing his cheek against a curled first to relax himself. ”Tell me more about it.” He said with a cheeky grin.

Crossing her ankles she looked up to the corner of the ceiling " Well… I didn't trip on myself. Though he was a very good dancer… and he didn’t complain that I had no shoes on… OH!..” she looked at her brother " He didn’t even once step on my toes.“ she paused thinking back on the moment as a smile still painted her lips. She couldn’t get rid of the feeling even with however many drinks she consumed.

Drake moved his head so he could cover his mouth in a dramatic show of shock. ”He didn’t even care you wore no shoes? AND he didn’t step on your toes once?” Drake gasped sarcastically. ”He’s the one.”

" Oh he also said maybe to another dance…that he didn’t want to take up too much of my time.” She looked at her brother " Should I be worried? Do you think he hated the dance? Oh no… what if I were the terrible dancer…” she slumped back into her chair at the sudden realization before finishing her drink.

He thought about his next answer. The man’s context was limited but she seemed worried nonetheless so he spoke up. ”Maybe he was worried about his own dancing skills? That or, to speak from personal experience, a man sometimes excuse himself before emotions run too high and you do something a little overzealous for a ballroom.” Drake coughed and cast a sideways glance, not trying to meet his sister’s eye while thinking about the daring proclamations he had made with Lady Thea only moments go.

"Have you done something overzealous after a dance? she leaned forward her elbows resting on her knees as she stared intensely at him at an attempt to turn it on him. She grinned at him, the idea that her well dressed, well spoken and well manned brother would do anything of that nature was quite the scandalous thought.
Perhaps he had revealed a little too much there. His eyes still fought to find anything other than her to look at lest he further give himself away. ”Technically no.” But that answer was only because he hadn’t done it yet. ”I just know emotions can run hot during a heartfelt dance. I had one earlier, so that is why I speak on it with such…confidence.”

"With Thea?

Drake nodded. ”Yes there very same.” His eyes softened as he took one more sip. ”She’s a delight.”

Leaning back, Ari let out a thoughtful sigh. " Well, then I don't believe it was anything overzealous, you and Thea have been rather intertwined for some time now. He and I … well we just met. Looking off the side lost in thought her eyes darted back to her brother. "Why don't you have a guard?” she asked rather openly "You were more hurt then I was, but I am now having to be watched 24/7” Not that she was complaining about his company.

It seemed Drake managed to successfully dodge the important question of what he meant by “Technically”. But then her next question left him baffled. ”Where…did that come from?” Drake leaned back, eyes fully on her now. ”I can only imagine what goes on in Father’s mind. Perhaps he deems me having a guard would look poor in the public eye. But a lady having her escort? No one bats an eye to that. Plus, who knows? Maybe Nikolai is secretly watching me!” He took the last drink from his bourbon, and suddenly he felt a click in his mind.

”No, but really. Why is that suddenly important?”

Ari shrugged looking at the bottom of her empty glass "I suppose it’s not. It hasn’t been terrible. If I'm honest. almost absently mindedly, Ari suddenly blurted out "Do you think he’ll ask me to another dance?” she tipped her glass shaking it as if something would manifest from it before placing it on the table beside her chair. "He might be busy with the other ladies of the court…
Drake’s gaze tightened. ”Another?” He mused over the words a moment, not judging too harshly right off the bat, but certainly finding it amusing that of all people it was…the very person she complained about. ”Your dance partner was..Nikolai?”

Ari broke out into nervous laughter as she began to look around "Where is that attendant with my other drink…

Drake’s gaze narrowed. ”It was, wasn’t it?” The tone suggested something judgmental, perhaps a touch apprehensive. His fingers moved up the side of his face as he began to take in the news.

"Before you say anything, he was a gentleman and I really enjoyed myself.” she said, feeling the need to plead her case.

He said nothing, merely staring at her with the skeptical look of a brother who just heard about his sister’s crush.

" He may appear to be a rake but he’s actually…” her voice dropped as she felt the smile return, unable to hide it " he is a good man, I think. Besides it was only one dance, he didn’t even seem that interested in the second. I don't know, he kind of ran off… I was going to find him but then I bumped into you. For the best anyways.”

”If you ask me, he does not seem the type to offer second dances. Lest it be a different kind of dance, not on the dance floor.” He tilted his head in a brief gesture of goodwill. It couldn’t hurt to give Ariella a little hope and confidence. ”Perhaps the best just to sober you up a little. Rake or not it is best to be…fully put together when you’re with someone you intend to court. Serious or not.” Drake paused, noticing her still looking…rather pleased with herself. Like something more than a single dance should.

"Whoa..whoa whoa… intend to court!?” Ari nearly leapt out of the chair "It was one dance. she reminded him.
”How are you feeling by the way? You seem a little far along the alcohol train for it being so soon into the night.” Drake eyed his empty glass of bourbon that barely lasted 10 minutes. ”Not that I’m judging you. But how many drinks have you had?”

" How many drinks I've had is none of your concern and neither is how many dances I have either.” she said rather directly. "Besides, at least my dance wasn’t technically overzealous… she eyed her brother "What does that even mean? Does mother even know you're interested in Lady Thea? she stated as an attempt to turn the table onto her brother.

”She is…aware of it, yes.” Another flip to this back and forth in their little feud. ”If you don’t want to tell me, that is fine. But just know if you can’t count that number on one hand, then it might be hard to get that second dance. The floor will become your partner before long.” Drake snickered.

Gasping, Ari shot a look at her brother glaring at him.

”And the dance itself wasn’t overzealous, Ari. But we shared some private words to each other and made a promise and that is all little miss secrets is going to get out of me.” Drake gave a huff before crossing his arms.

" .. and I am happy for you Drake. Lady Thea is a lovely woman.”

Drake caught himself nodding before he even truly understood that he was daydreaming about her all over again. He quickly righted himself, coughing once as if that would fix it.

"But don’t write off Nik. He asked permission. He listened. He didn't make me do anything I didn't want to." Her voice softened unexpectedly. "He was... really sweet, actually." she paused looking at her brother in a calmer tone. " Give him a chance… Get to know him before you decide what kind of man he is.
She offered a small, wistful smile.

"You're probably right though. Maybe it was only ever meant to be one dance..." she admitted softly. "But... is it so wrong of me to hope it isn't? It was nice to feel chosen, even for that brief moment."

Looking away she sat back in her seat, empty glass dangling from her fingers. The attendant took notice and swiftly came over offering her another full glass and removing the empty.

The stern and firm look he gave became soft. ”Now now…” Drake’s face lifted from the fingers it rested on. ”It is not that I doubt the legitimacy of the dance or of his interest in you. It just makes me wonder the moral implications of a paid guard wanting to pursue his charge.” His hand rolled around at the wrist.

”Not that I plan to tell. If Father or Mother found out…” He quickly stopped himself. ”Just…get a good read on the man. It is very lovely he chose you. And as a brother I am happy you are enjoying his company. But also as a brother just…be careful.”

Nodding Ari took a sip of her drink. She was never one to care what either of her parents wanted, her father at least was much more understanding than her mother. Though their mother was around here somewhere probably gossiping about the latest news. She likely didn’t even notice the dance. At least she hoped.

Drake smiled at Ariella. ”Wanna hear something less lecture-y?”

Drake leaned in, shifting the tone and topic suddenly. ”Nolan’s managed to find himself in the company…of a princess~.” He spoke with extra theatrics. ”It would seem all three of us are in good company this evening.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Ballroom
Mention: Nikolai @Rose
Interactions:
Appearance:

Ari watched Nikolai disappear into the crowd as the dance floor slowly emptied around her. He was swallowed into the sea of people, gone before she could even respond.

Come back… The thought came so naturally it startled her. Why was she so consumed by wanting to be around him? Perhaps it was because he made her feel safe, but that was his job she supposed. No... that wasn't the reason.

A smile crept onto her lips as warmth blossomed through her chest. It had been building throughout the dance, subtle enough to ignore while she was wrapped up in the dance with him, but now she realized just how... odd she felt. Not bad. Just different. Lighter. Happier.

Taking a single barefooted step, Ari suddenly wobbled as the polished marble beneath her seemed to shift like a wave.

"Whoa..."

Her arms lifted instinctively to steady herself, a quiet laugh escaping before she could stop it. Maybe I drank more than I realized.That had to be it.

She fell into step behind the couples leaving the dance floor, trying to blend in. Each movement felt strangely disconnected, as though she were walking through water. To her, she was moving normally however, in reality, her pace had slowed to an awkward, wobbling shuffle. Someone brushed past her shoulder and as she turned to avoid them, she bumped into another guest nearly knocking them into a table.

"Oh... I'm sorry." Her apology dissolved into another soft giggle, making her blink in confusion. Why was that funny? The women scoffed, grabbing the hem of her skirt before sauntering off.

Ari lingered for a moment, watching the ballroom shimmer around her. Candlelight blurred into warm golden halos, laughter sounded brighter, and every face seemed softer somehow. The knot of worry she'd carried over Callum all evening quietly unraveled, slipping through her thoughts like sand between her fingers. She tried to grasp it again, to remember why she'd been so anxious.

... but she couldn't.

Instead, an overwhelming sense of warmth and happiness settled over her, so effortless it almost made her laugh again "...I really did drink too much," she murmured to herself with an amused shake of her head. Then her eyes lifted once more, searching the sea of faces for Nikolai, suddenly certain that finding him again felt like the most important thing in the world.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Ballroom
Attire:imgur.com/TBp3fyc | Magic ring on pointer finger
Interactions: None
Mentions: Kira @potter Alexander @FunnyGuy Cassius @oso

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Violet said nothing.

She simply lifted her glass, taking a slow sip of the crimson wine as Kira disappeared into the crowd. The rich taste lingered on her tongue, and the smile that had rested upon her lips from the beginning never once faded.

That... went far easier than I expected.

Her crimson eyes followed the place Kira had vanished, gleaming a little brighter beneath the ballroom lights.

She hadn't needed to accuse her or even needed to ask.

One harmless remark about a dating auction had been enough.

You folded so quickly. The thought almost made her laugh.

Violet had wondered if the woman before her was truly Kira. There had been signs. Small inconsistencies. Questions that pried just a little too deeply into her family. Questions meant to test how naïve she was. The implication that she was stupid and unobservant. But she was a Damien after all, and someone who admired Alexander's finesse. Being under estimated seemed to have its advantages.

Instead of denying it, Kira had discarded the mask herself.

She said so much in such a short time that Violet's mind swirled with all her thoughts. Her eyes glazed over as her wine glass touched her bottom lip so gently, resting there as the smile did not fade.

One question remained at the tip of her tongue however…

Curious

Her smile widened ever so slightly.

For someone who had approached this like a game of chess… She had sacrificed her queen to capture a pawn and folded before Violet could even make her next move.

Taking another slow sip of her wine, she couldn’t help but bask in the feeling of satisfaction.

“...Cassius is his father's son. And perhaps just like the boy, the man knows a lot more than he's leading on.”

”Hmm..” Crimson eyes flicked up to continue watching…waiting

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Ariella & Annie

---

Ari froze. Missing…

Feeling the pit of her stomach turn as the color slightly drained from her cheeks. She knew something was wrong, she had felt it since that night but the confirmation that there really was something wrong…she felt sick.

Cal…

After what felt like a lifetime, Ari finally smiled softly attempting to mask any concern.

"Can we please talk in the hallway, Ari?"

Nodding, she led them towards an empty hallway leading towards one of the many stairs but not before swiping some drinks from a tray. Tucking themselves out of sight, Ari offered Annie one of the glasses of… well she wasn’t sure what it was she just hoped it was strong.

”Why are you forbidden to look for him? she whispered, keeping mind to keep her voice down.

“My father increased the number of guards by perhaps… I don’t know, a million,” Anastasia began, then took a deep swig of the liquid she had been handed. It burned her throat in a familiar way, and she sighed as though the drink had answered her prayer.

“ My brothers and I have not been permitted to leave the castle, or barely even our rooms without some sour-faced man standing three steps behind us as if we might burst into flames if left unattended.”

She nodded along, understanding her words. Leaning against the hallway wall Ari let out a sigh. She understood the feeling of being trapped, but she was lucky it was Nikolai and not some royal guard who likely said nothing but followed Annie around.

Her mouth curved, but it was not quite a smile. “Ari, it has been the strangest week of my life, which is saying something given my past choices.” She looked down at the cup in her hands, thumb tracing the rim. A breath of laughter then escaped her though it was humorless, “I feel like I have been imprisoned, even though everyone tells me it isn’t so. They’re hoping if they make the cage pretty enough, I won’t think it’s one.”

Lifting the glass to her lips Ari thought about her words for a moment, a look of sympathy on her face. ”I’m sorry Annie…I have to agree with you that this is imprisonment. He’s keeping you on a leash so he can control you. Control your movement and know where you are. Even I can see that.” Scoffing, she took another sip of her drink. ”My father even has someone watching me too, can’t leave his sight. At least he’s somewhat tolerable.”

“Oh? Who? Like a guard?” Anastasia asked curiously.

Peeking around the corner, Ari took another long sip of her drink while she looked over at Nikolai. She lingered for a moment, watching as he spoke to a rather attractive looking women she had not seen before. So many new faces tonight.

” His name is Nikolai, that’s him over there. The tall one, dark hair, embroidered jacket.” taking another sip she turned back to Annie ” My father instructed him to watch me.. Every single step he has to be there. Atleast, in eyesight. He is even staying in our home. After the situation at the tavern my father didn’t want to risk anything and Drake has given him his full support. Come to think of it… Why doesn’t Drake have a personal guard?” Her brow furrowed. ”I could take care of myself better than he could….” she muttered under her breath, the alcohol loosening her tongue slightly.

Anastasia glanced over, and her brows lifted. “The tall, dark, and handsome one.” She appraised with a nod and then returned her gaze to Ari. “I haven’t loved guards hovering over me either lately, even the handsome ones. “ Next, she considered Ari’ question for a moment, then. Why was it that she had a personal guard, and Drake didn’t? “...Knowing Duke Edwards, I imagine it’s out of love, at least.” She murmured.
”There is more to him than just his looks, I will admit. Ari added before taking another long sip of her drink.

A silence filled the moment as she too took another long drink, then Ariella’s voice filled her ear once more.

”Do you know where Cal might be? Any kind of clue or hint? Maybe I could go looking for you, just to help ease both our minds…” She whispered softly to her.

“...I know where he might have gone… or rather, who he might have gone to,” she admitted quietly. “But I think he’s dangerous. I don’t know that you should go after him—especially not alone.” Ari watched Annie with a concerned look, seeing just how serious she was sent a chill down her spine.

Then there was the matter of Callum himself, and what he had been doing. Given the state of things, Anastasia did not feel safe speaking of his magic, even if it was seemingly just the two in the hallway. Perhaps that secret was the only thing keeping Callum safe now.

Still, she wanted to tell her.

Anastasia hesitated, her folded arms tightening around herself.

“There is something else,” she began carefully. “Something I haven’t told you about Callum… I-I…think it might be important he remains hidden right now.”

Has the magic got to him? They spoke about dark magic often, though he certainly was far more advanced than her own skills. Ari reached for her friend, putting a hand on her shoulder gently.

”Annie…” She said softly, inching closer to her so their words wouldn’t travel. ”Cal and I were closer then I think some even knew…” she said softly unsure of how to even describe their relationship. ”We shared a lot of similar interests and he told me … She paused glancing around ”... I know. I at least I think I know. If it is what I am thinking, then he needs help Annie… keeping him hidden… she let out a soft sigh, it may even be too late but Ari had to know. She had to try. ”I’m worried.” Her hand tightened in desperation and worry.

Anastasia’s eyes slowly lit up with sudden recognition of what she might have meant. Without hesitation, she pulled her into an embrace. However, her next words made her brows knit together–did Ariella also do magic? She wasn’t one to pray, but she found herself mentally praying to the Gods that she did not… At the least, Ariella seemed to be insinuating that she knew Callum did magic, and that she knew how dangerous it was every day that passed that Callum was lost.

“...I am worried too,” she whispered with a sigh. Ari nodded in acknowledgement as she pulled away from her hug slowly. “We have to find a way to help him. That hunter with the white hair, the one that has the girl on the chain, he frightens me. I could tell without even speaking to him that he would not care who Callum was… He would simply kill him.”

”It’s why my father has instructed me to stay with Nikolai… Ari admitted. Though she hated the idea of being watched, she was scared too. Trying to hide it wasn’t so easy. ”I shouldn’t say this here but, there is a reason for it. A good one. However, it's all the more reason why I'm so worried. Cal…he’s been changing for some time. Ever since that monkey, it’s like he became someone else. First it was just small little things, but then his personality.” she paused, ”Every part of him that I cared for seemed to be shifting into this darker version of himself and I just let it happen… maybe if I had said something or done more-” The look in her eyes became less filled of worry and became more sadness. They glistened slightly amongst the lights as she fought back her tears.

Annie didn’t need her crying on her shoulder, she just lost her mother.

”He was at the Auction, the one on Drunkards day.” her voice cracked slightly as she remembered.

”I wanted to share with him some things I had found but he was so far into his bottle and that damned monkey likely wouldn’t have allowed it. So I left.” She looked back at Anastasia.

”I left… Maybe if I had stayed-” Her voice cracked again as a tear danced dangerously along her lashes.

Anastasia finally pulled Ariella into a tight embrace. “Ari, sweetie, there’s nothing you could have done.” She stroked her friend’s hair soothingly, then brushed a loose strand back from her face. “We’re all in so deep, and none of us know how to swim.”

She held her there for a moment, before finally adding, softer this time, “Maybe tonight, let’s just try to forget about it all and have some fun… Like old times?”

A faint smile tugged at her lips, tired but trying. “It’s not as if either of us are getting out of here tonight to do anything about it anyway. So maybe we use tonight to get some relief, drink something sweet, dance until our feet hurt, and then tomorrow…”

Her smile grew a little. “Tomorrow, we focus on helping Callum like the bad bitches we are.”

Sucking back any tears that lingered, Ari nodded with a somber smile. ”You’re right. Plus I see an empty bar not too far from here I may visit.”

Looking at Anastasia, Ari’s eyes lingered for a moment ”You out of all of us deserve a night of fun. So let's make that happen. Maybe I can steal you from Farim for a dance later, like we used to do when we were kids.” She suggested laughing at the idea.

“I’d really love that.” Anastasia said earnestly with a smile.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Ballroom
Attire:imgur.com/TBp3fyc | Magic ring on pointer finger
Interactions: Kira @potter
Mentions: Cassius @oso Alexander @funnyguy

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“What do you mean "your situation?”

Violet smiled at the woman gesturing to the large scar on her face. “Scars are much better in storybooks than they are in a courting season.” her tone playing it off as a joke. “Though, I suppose I can’t be all that sore about it. We sure have a lovely show this evening. If I were caught up in a dance or conversation with one of those groups, I may have missed it.


“Definitely... Is there not a quiet moment in Sorian?”“Is that your brother up there?”

“Are you close?”

“My brother? Violet echoed as she glanced towards Cassius.

“Oh dear. That's your father, Calbert, right?” “My goodness.” How informal of her…

”Thank you again for letting me join you. I'm a bit nervous about the balls.” As she laughed and looked down with her shy little smile, Violet smiled herself.

For a different reason.

Her crimson gaze caught sight of the man she had been searching for all evening, offering a wave in their direction. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment, slowly taking a sip from her wine glass as she watched him approach the King.

“Oh, it's no bother at all.” Violet smiled, turning her attention to the women. Placing the wine glass down in front of her, a cold reminder of that evening as her eyes lingered on it.

“ Balls really are overwhelming she paused “I prefer smaller gatherings myself. Like the most recent dating auction.”

Her red eyes flicked up from her glass meeting Kira’s with a soft smile.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Ballroom
Attire:imgur.com/TBp3fyc | Magic ring on pointer finger
Interactions: @potter Kira
Mentions: @FunnyGuy Alexander @princess Edin @oso Cassius @potter Olivia

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”Thank you for allowing me to join you, Lady violet. I do appreciate it and wine can be your best friend at events.” Kira replied sweetly. ”I’m from Alidasht and I recently moved here with my parents.”

It was odd, she had never heard of her before nor did she introduce her family name. The Alidasht people were proud of their lineages, often boasting about their family names. Here and certainly in Alidasht names meant something. Curious.

”Who are your parents?” Violet asked curiously as she leaned back against her chair. ”I don't know much about the Alidasht families so forgive my naivety. she smiled softly.

“Oh, there are quite a few interesting men here.”

”The Shezhades are attractive, I do think that the Varian nobility are both attractive and fascinating. I don’t know much about the Varian Kingdom, sadly. So, I find the men there interesting, but nobody in particular yet.”
Watching her eyes scan the crowds she noticed a few people the woman decided to pick out with her gaze, but her looks seemed less one of attraction and more one of curiosity.

”What about you, Lady Damien? Surely someone noticed your beauty by now? And if not, I could help you,” Kira sipped her wine.

Violet smiled behind a sip of her wine, not at the thought of someone but that someone would notice her beauty. Her scared up face was not something she ever considered to be beautiful. However, there was someone she wanted. Wanted to see her the way she saw them but after their last moment alone, she wasn’t sure that would happen. Her eyes didn’t falter from the women, as Alexander’s absence from the event was already on Violet's mind.

”Maybe once upon a time…” she said softly. ”But there is no help needed, I am aware of my situation.” Her lips parted as if to speak again but the booming voice of Lorenzo pulled her attention towards the King.

Violet watched with curiosity until she saw Charlotte, then Cassius followed towards the scene. She shook her head lightly knowing full well her father would not allow Cassius to do anything in front of the crown. She suspected it was only a matter of time until he would step in.

Still she watched with interest, hearing bits and pieces of the conversation as Olivia then Kazu joined as well. what did they expect they were going to do? At the kings ball… what are they doing?...

”Interesting turn of events… her crimson eyes unflinching from the scene as she took another idle sip of the wine.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Ballroom
Attire:imgur.com/TBp3fyc | Magic ring on pointer finger
Interactions: Kira @potter

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Violet gestured her head, allowing the women to occupy the other empty seat at the table as she too sat down. Her fingers held her wine glass gently between her fingers as she tapped the glass lightly.

“Is there something wrong? You look a little upset, and I’m here for you if you need it. Between that and your beauty, I wanted to come check on you. After all, this should be a fun event, yes?”

A smile crept on Violet's lips as she looked over to the women. ”Nothing is wrong, I am just enjoying my glass of wine and the music. You’re quite forward with the compliments but thank you. Some people just enjoy events differently than others, I enjoy them with a drink in hand. “

Her eyes glanced down at the tray of sweets before taking a sip of her wine.

“Although... Balls can be a drag, too, right? they don't have to be though! I guess it depends on how extroverted you are. I feel a little out of sorts here. Maybe we can watch people together.” Kira grinned playfully, gesturing to the crowd. “Totally up to you though! I am fine either way.”

”You are more than welcome to sit here, I do not mind. Though I don’t believe I've seen you around before or even really heard your name. Wouldn’t a ball be more fun if you found a dance partner to enjoy the event with? she looked towards the crowd gesturing outwards ”Who out of this crowd draws your eye? she asked curiously.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Ballroom
Mention: Callum
Interactions: Anastasia @princess
Appearance:
Ari froze. Missing…

Feeling the pit of her stomach turn as the color slightly drained from her cheeks. She knew something was wrong, she had felt it since that night but the confirmation that there really was something wrong…she felt sick.

Cal…

After what felt like a lifetime, Ari finally smiled softly attempting to mask any concern.

"Can we please talk in the hallway, Ari?"

Nodding, she led them towards an empty hallway leading towards one of the many stairs but not before swiping some drinks from a tray. Tucking themselves out of sight, Ari offered Annie one of the glasses of… well she wasn’t sure what it was she just hoped it was strong.

”Why are you forbidden to look for him? she whispered, keeping mind to keep her voice down.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Ballroom
Mention: Callum, Nik @HylianRose
Interactions: Anastasia @Princess
Appearance:

Ari smiled at Annie as they slowly strode away from the group. Interlocked her arm around the princess's, Ari gently escorted her friend through a sea of people at a rather slow pace to not alarm her guard dog. Though she still wasn’t certain he hadn’t found a bone to chew on somewhere.

” I’m not surprised to see you here, though it makes me sad that you are Annie.” she said softly so only she could hear. Her emerald eyes flicked towards her friend masking their conversation with a soft smile. ”I know it is likely not by choice or perhaps maybe a needed distraction, but I wanted to make sure you were okay and to say how sorry I am… Ari didn't specify what, she didn’t feel like it needed to be said. Maybe not mentioning the Queen by name would be easier for Anastasia, though the loss of a parent likely would never be easy no matter how much you mask it.

”Have you seen your brother at all? Cal?” she added ”I haven’t seen him since Drunkard's day and with everything going on, I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t worried.” she was more than worried however, but there was no use in bringing that up now.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night
Location: Ballroom
Attire:imgur.com/TBp3fyc | Magic ring on pointer finger
Interactions:Kira@Potter
Mentions: Count Emil @Princess, Roman @ReusableSword, Alexander @funnyguy

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Walking through the crowd, Violet's fingers tapped against her wineglass as she slowly glided across the floor. She wasn’t one to just naturally approach people by interjecting herself into conversations but perhaps this evening she would need too. Alexander did it with such finesse and ease, but Violet felt like a lamb just trying to catch its balance for the first time.

It was strange. And he was nowhere to be found, if she felt herself drowning she only had herself to pull herself up. She could feel her nerves bubbling up inside of her but taking a sip of the wine helped calm them. If only for the moment. If she was going to come face to face with Marek she would need to get her nerves under control.

Passing by each group she took note of who was speaking to who, attempting to ease drop as she slowly strode her way past them. There were so many new faces she didn’t recognize and many she had seen a few times. Though for now it seemed many of the groups were simply introductions or simple conversation. Perhaps when the wine started to run dry the real entertainment would begin.

As she continued to walk further into the sea of gowns and fake smiles, she heard Roman’s voice amongst them daring to not look his way. Her feelings for him and the situation were complicated at best, but his request and reason were enough for her to give into the anger and hatred she still held.

”Can you trust Lord Ravenwood…

No…

The ghostly reminder was all she needed to snap herself out of any curiosity. Attempting to find her attention anywhere else as a distraction from the idea. Pausing for a moment her eye caught onto Count Emil. A name she had heard but a face she did not remember. He moved deliberately through the crowd with a sense of purpose and pose. Even amongst the sea of people, she felt his gaze on her as her scarlet eyes caught his. His eyes cut through her, as if recognizing something he wasn’t able to name.

Then he smiled…

It wasn't flirtation, or even politeness. It felt like an acknowledgement. Violet simply returned his smile with one of her own as the moment passed as quickly as it came.

Looking over her shoulder for a moment while she took a sip of her wine as she finally made her way to one of the tables, setting the glass down on the pristine linen.

”Hi there, how are you?” the voice interrupted. She looked over her shoulder for a moment, her eyes catching hers before turning around. ”I’m Malia. It’s nice to meet you.”

Violet looked at the woman for a moment, the voice wasn’t one she had heard before. Though her appearance did look familiar she couldn’t quite place it.

”Good evening.” she smiled at her softly but the look behind her eye was hard to erase. ”It’s a pleasure Malia, my name is Violet Damien.”