There was a juvenile, even ingenuous, quality to Duke Vikena. From the manner in which he entered the ballroom to accepting Ryn’s handkerchief without a second thought. He did not seem to question Ryn’s motives. Instead, he simply accepted the handkerchief as a thoughtful gesture, nothing more, nothing less. Ryn got the impression that with Duke Vikena, what you saw was what you got. Honesty. A rare breed amongst the nobility, especially as the active head of a dukedom. It was most likely one of the reasons why the "true" bluebloods looked down on him. Ryn, on the other hand, found it admirable –to remain as innocent as he was, despite the surrounding aristocratic cesspool.

But he saw more than that on the duke’s face. Dark forlorn eyes, an ever-present gloom that covered his features no matter what expression he made, the fleeting moments when he seemed to be in a happier place that was not "here" in time or space. …The faint smell of someone who had a habit of overindulging in substances that dulled the pain.

All of it made Duke Vikena look so fragile. So frail that one wrong move would crumble him to dust and the breath of bystanders would be strong enough to blow it all away.

Ryn suspected this was exactly why Lady Vikena eyed him with open suspicion. Her scrutiny felt like thin needles poking tiny holes into him. How could he blame her? Ignoring for a moment the cutthroat environment in which they found themselves, even small children were taught not to accept items from random strangers. It was only natural to think that Ryn had an ulterior motive. As her father’s stalwart protector, his well-being was her top priority, because she loved him and he loved her. Duke Vikena’s last tether to this world.

After wiping away all traces that he was weeping just a hand full of minutes ago, the duke offered Ryn’s handkerchief back, “I can have this cleaned off if you’d like.”

Without breaking the smile or batting an eye, Ryn took the soiled handkerchief from Duke Vikena, "I thank you for the offer, Your Grace, but there is no need to concern yourself with that, you already had a trying evening. I wouldn’t want to trouble you with such a trivial task." Ryn folded the handkerchief so that the cleanest parts were facing outwards before slipping it into one of the outer pockets. "I hope you are feeling well. Would you like something to drink?" Before the duke could answer, Ryn quickly added, "Water, perhaps? I’ve heard that the body becomes dehydrated after crying." As enticing as it must have been, alcohol was the last thing the duke needed.

In his peripheral vision, the count noticed a man wearing a brown tailcoat conversing with Lady Vikena. Ryn thought he heard the name John Williamson uttered, but before long, Lady Vikena announced her temporary departure, "Gentlemen, I am going to find something to eat. Let me know if you would like me to bring anything back."

As much as he wanted to introduce himself beforehand, to start the process of alleviating the wariness she had of him, Ryn decided that it was better to let her be on her way. She too, had quite the stressful start to the night. It was only fair that she had time for herself and not be constantly guarding her father. Besides, it appeared that she delegated that task to someone else until she returned.

Ryn turned to properly face the brunet. John Williamson, John Williamson. Ryn repeated the name in his head before he clapped his hands together once he remembered where he came across the name. "Dr. John Williamson! From the Varian Royal Institute of Science! Savior of Kolonivka?" Ryn walked over to the doctor and offered his hand for a handshake, "I knew I recognized that name from somewhere. I’ve seen quite the number of medical supplies sent to you when I was working at my family’s business. It’s so nice to finally put a face to the name." Ryn shook Dr. Williamson’s hand enthusiastically but made the effort to shake gently. He wanted to avoid accidentally hurting the man. For these hands were more valuable than any item in the ballroom combined. They were the hands of someone who saved lives on a daily basis, come rain or shine. No amount of gold could, or ever should, replace such a precious gift.

"I didn’t know you were invited! It’s–… Oh!" Ryn released Dr. Williamson’s hand, backing away and turning so that he was able to face both the doctor and the duke. "How terribly rude of me, I never introduced myself have I?" Ryn bowed, the previous casualness dissipating as he did so, "I am Count Fritz Hendrix. Up until recently, I was just but one of many merchants, so please forgive me if I do forget the proper etiquette. I have much to learn." He looked up to first smile at Duke Vikena, "It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Duke Vikena," Ryn then redirected his smile at Dr. Williamson, "Dr. Williamson."

---

King Edin shook his head in disappointment as he watched his two sons approach him. The cherry on the top of this evening’s humiliation was his own sons’ tardiness. His gaze locked with a deadly aim at his son Callum, who was always the source of the problem. He knew Auguste would not dare do such a thing tonight. Callum. If only you could stop being a failure for once in your life. Ungrateful, little… He sometimes wondered if he was the son of Duke Lorenzo Vikena rather than his own.

“Darling. Let it go.”The hushed voice of his wife filled his ear and she put her hand over his to grip it. “It’s as if the ball has only begun. It was halted while the issue at hand was worked through. He has not missed a thing.”

“Do not speak condescendingly towards me. How many times should I let this go? Callum forgets his place time and time again and it sullies my reputation. If he were not my son, I’d care not, but he is an extension of me and every extension of me should hold themselves in the greatest regard, and thus-” Their sons approached into earshot so he drew off his quiet ranting.

King Edin kept glaring silently at Callum, his gaze adverted from the acceptable Auguste. At this point, he did not even care if it were to be proven that it was Auguste’s fault they were late. He could not fend off his anger from his weakest link.

“It’s…Been going. It’s only begun, my love so not to fret.”Queen Alibeth replied to Auguste and smiled, “How handsome you look. It warms my heart to see you and Callum so grown and beautiful. Please have a good time tonight. She stood up and moved over to give them each a hug. King Edin cleared his throat. After giving a slightly longer hug to Callum, she turned about and returned to her throne silently.

“Tonight you must be on the lookout for a wife.”King Edin announced and put his hands on his hips as he stood up from his throne to address the two. He was comfortable doing so as he had his throne area fenced off with velvet roping as well as guards to keep people from his personal space. The music was loud; only his wife and two sons would hear his words. “All three of my sons are still unmarried. What a joke. Keep on your toes boys as you see Prince Felix of the Varian Kingdom already is betrothed to a Lady, a daughter of a duchess. You listen here well, now gentlemen, I will have no ugly nor impoverished woman. She will be approved by me and she will be obedient. Your brother Wulfric knows well not to bother with anyone of low status. Follow his suit. Though…”He paused to get a glimpse of the Wulfric conversating with the loud thing that had been yammering about earlier on. How could they let their women speak like that? Did they not know their place behind the men? Annoyance filled him as he had hoped Wulfric to lead by a good example. The last thing they needed was more than necessary visitations from people who brought filthy and dangerous animals into his castle. “Let’s try to keep your selection-” He broke off his next statement as he caught sight of the Sultan approaching. “Auguste, Callum, turn about and greet the Sultan Raif Kadir as soon as he arrives.”

The sight of the food was somehow not enough to make her forget about the monstrosity of the night behind her. Charlotte sighed and glanced over her shoulder towards her father's way worriedly, only to catch sight of one of the Sultan's sons, fortunately, the more rational offspring, coming her way. She took a sip of her wine to try to steady her nervous disposition. Maybe he was going to talk to someone else nearby. Still, she gave a polite smile as he came to her side. Such was second nature to her now. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure that there was no one behind her that he was speaking to instead, then she greeted him with a bow, "Shahzade...Peace be upon you. I am grateful to hear you think so." Though she had not yet delved deeply into Alidasht culture, she could recall the bare minimum of the proper greeting from a book she had read.

Oh dear, he really is speaking to me. If I misstep with my words...I'm not nearly intoxicated enough for this yet.

This man had been the one to stand up with kind words calling for the mercy of her father and of praise towards her. As brave as it had perhaps been for her to try and protect her father, it was also admirable to speak up for what one believed in, even if perhaps their family would not agree. It would not hurt to return the compliment then. "I have to thank you for stepping in with such mercy and grace. You are truly very well-spoken." Charlotte then continued after a pause, "And you seem to be a very kind gentleman."

She swirled the wine in her glass gently as she racked her brain. He really had not given her much to work with, but she knew it couldn't hurt for her to try to practice socializing after so long for her own good and to even improve the rocky start to the relationship between the Alidasht and Caesonian Kingdoms. A servant moved about toward them with a platter of crisp, golden fried shrimp. They glistened in the light of the chandelier and looked absolutely delicious. "You should try the fried prawns. They go quickly every gathering." Charlotte gestured to the hors d'oeuvres being offered. She set her wine glass down and then gently took the entire platter in her hands to offer to Amir with a big smile. The servant blinked in confusion and she looked over at the young girl, "Oh you can have some too. My apologies, miss."She offered the plate out to her. The girl grinned and took a shrimp with glee, scurrying off with it. Be free, young flower.Charlotte thought to herself, the urge to giggle tickling her throat despite it all.

---

It truly was the perfect night for drinking. The moon shiningly brightly and a gentle breeze billowing softly, it's cool touch soothing against Kazumin's slightly flushed and heated face. Half a bowl of pudding remaining still and bottle of wine nearly empty save for one last mouthful which he chose to put off drinking for the moment as he turned the bottle in his hand letting the contents swirl within." Hmph...already done with this one and still barely feel a buzz, but this wine pairs quite nicely with the pudding." Nodding his appreciation; preparing to finish the bottle off when he heard the door open and footsteps from behind causing him to pause for a moment though made no attempt to turn around for regardless of who it was, nothing was going to keep him from enjoying his quiet evening.

He paid the unknown individual little attention; too busy admiring the view of the town/forest illuminated by the moon as he lifted the bottle to his lips once more. Only to hear a voice speak up having him stop short upon being asked if his name was Kazumin. A curious raise of the brow as he let off an amused chuckle." I am indeed, Kazumin yes. Didn't expect to come across anyone at this ball who know me." A small shake of the head as he moved to down the last of the wine. Before he could swallow, however, he came to realize that the voice sounded very familiar but there was no way she of all people would be at some noble party...right? And then he suddenly felt a scathing glare directed at him sending a chilling shudder down his spine as dread suddenly surrounded him like the cold and ominous embrace of death threatening to engulf him.

Doubt, uncertainty washed through him as he turned his head partway and from the corner of his eye caught sight of a person he knew all too well. The next thing he knew he was doing a spit take sending wine spraying over the balcony then spun around on the spot until his back and hands were resting against the railings leaving him the appearance of a trapped animal. He stared in disbelief, but no matter how much he tried to deny it, there stood Persephone with her arms crossed and the sole harsh glare that always left Kazu feeling self-conscious and regretful; a feat no one but this woman could accomplish.

The bitterness in her voice did not go unnoticed either and merely hearing her speak to him in a way only given to those unfortunate enough to have angered her had his face turning almost sickly pale." P-Percy?! What the bloody hell are you doing here?" The confused blonde exclaimed incredulously; eyes wide with disbelief and horror, horror at the fact the woman who detested nobles even more than he not only here, but seeing him dressed like one.

A wide array of emotions was swirling within him at this moment. Shock, fear, shame, guilt and happiness but the strongest of these emotions he felt as he gazed at Persephone's face was relief.

After being left to think and assume her dead as he had not seen her since disappearing on that horrifying night of the fire. Even having her staring at him with that bitter expression did nothing to lessen the relief and happiness he was feeling and the way the light of the moon gave that scrutinized face a surprisingly beautiful glow which soften its stinging blow.

And while Kazu was one who did not care much for hugs or most physical touches, his first thought was to run over and hug his oldest friend and may have done exactly that were it not for those icy, bitter daggers she was shooting him. Then her second question finally sunk into his head.* Shit...shitshitshit. Of all places to run into her it had to be at this damn ball. Ok, don't panic. Just remain calm and greet her like anyone would greet a friend.*

In an attempt to try and come off as looking chill he had shifted into a relaxed pose with his elbow resting against the railing with the side of his head resting against his lifted palm. His right hand moved to point the index finger with thumb up and in the forced suave voice he could manage." Suuuuuuup guuuuurl." He meant to follow that with a wink, but even he felt the sheer cringyness of what he just did causing his face to turn red with embarrassment, only for it to get worse as his elbow slipped out from under him causing him bang his face against the railing from a sudden bout of humiliating clumsiness aided a bit from the wine.

The humiliated farmboy rubbed at his face.* Ugh...god that was awful.* He thought then instantly followed up with." Ugh....it really was. Can we pretend none of what just happened took place, yeah?" Asking this before standing back up where he would rub at the back of the head." Let's try this again shall we? So...right, I can explain though it's a bit of a long story, but before I do I want to make this clear, I am not a noble. You know I'd never willingly choose to be one of them stuck up and snobby elitist." Nodding his head while waving both hands in front of him in an awkward manner along with letting out an uncomfortable laugh.

Verrick looked to his princess as she laid one of her hands on his arm, adding to her mothers words to enjoy the evening and to not worry. He huffed a sigh and his shoulders relaxed only slightly in defeat. Mingle with the crowd and enjoy it? While he was a Woodsman and this was well within his jobdescription to pull off. It was the worst part of his work, and to top it off… There wasn’t any coffee to be seen! Logical of course due to the event. But he much preferred the strong aroma of a good roasted coffee over any alcoholic beverage anyday.

He perked up when the princess’s hand slid from his arm as she mentioned it wouldn’t hurt to have him along to introduce herself to the Sultan and his children. He tilted his head softly into a bow at least allowing him to do that. Taking a step back so she didn’t have to walk around him.

As they walked she again tried to hammer in that they must show respect. He gruffly added in a low voice before they reached the Alidasht party “Respect should be earned… not given away freely to feed their delusions of grandeur..”

He however, did his part. Performing the same Alidasht custom bow to the Sultan and Vizier, however more quickly as to not be caught with his guard down. While he did not smile, he did have a less….scowly… neutral look on his face. When he was introduced he didn’t bow his head, but remained motionless, not making eye contact with them, but keeping his eyes moving between the guards and the sultan’s children. Watching as they began to break away to other parts of the ballroom.

He glanced back to his princess as she elegantly buttered up the sultan. Perhaps a small smile appeared on his face but if someone asked, he would deny it. But he always was more impressed with how she handled diplomacy. He personally felt that she was better than her younger brother. Who he still saw as a spoiled child at times. But far more tolerable than other nobles in the kingdom

He glanced over to the Prince and Lady Thea, he noticed her looking at him just before she looked away. He always remembered her as a sweet, soft spoken and kind girl who was the only one out of the family who didn’t ‘look down at him’ while he served his post at the Smithwood estate. It was a shame that because of her fathers disappearance, she had changed quite dramatically.

He glanced at Lord Leo, Lady Thea’s elder brother, who was much like his father…a spoiled little shit who looked down at him just because he wasn’t of ‘noble’ blood. Though, the thought of tossing his father out of the castle window into the moat still brought a small satisfied smirk on his face even after all these years. Perhaps one day, Lord Leo would irritate him enough to follow in his fathers…trajectory?

He looked forward again as one of the daughters of the Sultan, Nahir, spoke up after the Saltan moved on. Being a diligent diplomat, she was far more in control and civil in comparison to her sister and brothers. His father spoke about her during her few visit’s to Varian.

As Nahir decided to find the wine, and as all the other children have moved on to whatever interested them, Mayet with Prince Wulfric, Munir with Lady Mina. And Amir was off to the food tables next to Lady Charlotte. He seemed a bit more restrained than what the branches in the Alidasht kingdom explained in their reports, while spot on with the others. This made him wonder if something was up.

He looked to Princess Beatrice, now that introductions were over, and the main ‘threats’ were off and about. He remembered her previous instructions for him to ‘enjoy’ and mingle after introductions. Signing softly before looking at Prince Felix and Princess Beatrice.“If you will Excuse me I will return to sulking in the shadows this evening…” He opened his mouth as he was going to ask for one thing while looking at the princess… but his voice caught in his throat and cleared it as he decided not yet. “I do actually hope you enjoy this night, and not have it be all work..”
He said with a small smile…a rarity for sure.

He then bowed deeply towards Lady Thea. ”I haven’t had the chance today to say, but you look even more radiant than ever today Lady Thea…” He said with a polite smile. Twice in one night is amazing.

Standing straighter before looking at Lord Leo, Only giving him a polite bow. Before moving on. His smile went away in an instant and back to his neutral scowl. He cursed himself for honestly chickening out at the last moment. As well as having this awful taste in his mouth when speaking so ‘formally’. He rubbed his cheeks… perhaps he’s over working his muscles in his face?

He weaved his way through the crowd once more. Picking up snippets of conversations as he did. Until he realized he appeared just behind Lady Charlotte, looking up to see her offering a plate of food to Amir Kadir. “ Lady Charlotte…” He said as he appeared quite suddenly from behind her on her left. “Shahzade Amir. He bellowed his head slightly. “Forgive me for intruding on your conversation. I only wanted to see if the brave and lovely Lady Charlotte was quite alright after this ordeal.”

Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Ballroom
Attire: Outfit
Interaction: @Infinite Cosmos Munir
Mentions:


Thankfully things seemed to simmer down as it seemed everyone interjecting annoyed the Sultan to the point he gave up on wanting Lorenzo dead. There was a small part of Mina that had hoped that would be the case, though it had been quite the risk. Worst case scenario was a war starting over this, but something had told her that the Sultan wasn’t that delicate. It seemed no one would lose their head tonight.

As people began to disperse, Mina caught sight of the Alidasht Shehzade now approaching her and a small smirk found its way to her lips. She internally winced at the curtsy, but kept her mouth shut as to not potentially bruise another Alidasht ego. She dipped into a curtsy of her own as she went on to introduce herself. ”It is quite the pleasure to meet you, Munir. I am Lady Mina Blackwood, but perhaps you’ll call me Mistress tonight.” As she said the last bit she looked up at him playfully through her lashes. If he wanted to play a game then she would oblige.

He went on to offer up the contents of his flask and she accepted saying, ”Sounds delightful, however, let’s make a trade.” With that, she reached between her breasts to produce a small flask of her own. Within her own flask there wasn’t wine, but instead the best of Kolonivka’s vodka. If he liked a stinging bite then she would give him a stinging bite. She went on to place the flask in his hand and, as she let go, trailed her finger along the back of his hand. She took a sip of what he offered, licking her lip as she finished and then nodded in approval. ”Definitely much better than what they offer here.” She complimented.

”So, ignoring the fiasco that just occurred, how have you been enjoying our little area of the world?”

---

As Sultan Raif approached King and Queen Danrose, he noted that there were two new young men with them that weren’t there before. He could only assume these were the other two princes of Caesonia, had they arrived late? It had seemed like they were potentially being scolded for something as he approached, but he said nothing of the sort. He merely gave them all a charming smile as Callum and Auguste introduced themselves to him. ”And upon both of you, may there be peace. Truly I am honored to be here as are my children.” He said as he gave a small bow before glancing up to King Edin and his wife.

”King Edin, I do hope that the rest of this season goes by smoothly. My children are still learning your customs, I do hope you can forgive them for any…missteps they may take.” It was the the best apology he could give for the earlier drama and any other drama that may occur while his children stayed for the season. Truth be told, Sultan Raif was actually looking forward to some peace and quiet away from his children. He couldn’t wait until his week of stay here was over and he could return to Genasea.

He then glanced over to his daughter, Mayet, and Prince Wulfric as he grinned a little before looking back to Edin and Alibeth. ”And who knows, perhaps by the end of this season we may be related?” He said, a little playfully, though he had a feeling this king would not be too fond of that idea. ”Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go enjoy this wonderful feast you have prepared.” With that he left for one of the food tables.

---

"Thank you, you're very kind." John continued to clasp his hands and lowered his head to the frankly sweet compliment given, even if they might just be courtesy. Nevertheless, Charlotte was more content with being alone with some delicate nourishment instead. Nothing wrong with that. Good food everyday kept you going with a happy smile. "Certainly, my long rambling and terrible jokes shall be certain to drive people away." John nodded eagerly, also not hesitating at all when he mentioned jokes. "Have a delicious one, Lady Charlotte." He waved as Charlotte stepped away leaving the three gentlemen.

It was then when Count Hendrix recognized the doctor out loud, along with Duke Vikena as well. Wow, he never expected to be recognized by so many people. If anything, he might even be more well-known now than nobles. "Ahaha, my reputation does precede me quite far, eh?" John laughed heartily upon hearing both men, as he too accepted the handshake with both his hands enclosing the count. Despite his work, he was still ranks below the nobles, and thus he would express it as such. "Indeed that was a lot of medical supplies sent our way. It turned out to be quite a bit excess, but can't leave the town an empty cupboard afterward, am I right?" The doctor remarked. Kolonivka is a relatively peaceful and cozy town to live in, but being in the mountains and quite remote from Varian capital city, it's better to not get dried up the second some outbreak happens.

The conversation quickly shifted to the men's introduction, to which John was quite pleased to know that Count Hendrix too was one of his people, making his way up to where he is now, hopefully with grits and vigor, and not through some shady family stuffs. John quickly tried to lighten the mood as he heard the duke's self-deprecation, "Deserving or not, it doesn't matter. Warmth is a human right. Especially if you come to Kolonivka, we die without warmth. Also extra comfy blanket if you stop by Mrs. Halland's inn!" meanwhile not missing out on good publicity for his benefactors at home. Not much out of personal benefits, he just found it a great place to be lodging at, and the owner's nice, so why not.

John had no qualms accepting the duke's invitation for some food. John noticed that Charlotte had made it to a food table with some guys, and the sultan's at another one. He certainly did not want to reinvigorate the sultan's frustrations with the duke after just now, so he intentionally but subliminally direct both of the men to a different table, this one with almost no one nearby, before turning for both of them. "It's been...what...12 years since I left Caesonia, so I don't remember much at all the food here. If you don't mind introducing us to your kingdom's exquisite culinary art, Duke Vikena."

---

”Of course. Sharing customs is a beautiful but gradual process.”King Edin told the Sultan with a humble smile. ” I am well-known for my forgiving nature.”He looked to his wife who nodded hastily with a smile. Their gazes followed the Sultan’s as they looked upon Wulfric and Mayet. King Edin had to put a lot of effort into stretching his smile, sweat dripping down his brow as he replied, ”Yes… Yes Indeed. Wouldn’t that be a treat?”

As soon the Sultan departed, King Edin dropped his smile as if he had been holding up a heavy weight and exhaled air. The Queen dropped her smile too, just less dramatically, rolling her eyes when her husband wasn’t looking.

The King clapped his hands together, “Now then!”He turned to his sons, “Where was I… Oh yes… So let’s see.” He first pointed at Lady Mina Blackwood. “Lady Mina will not do, no, no, the girl is most definitely more interested in her uncle than other men… Shameful and blasphemous. She has a lot of men in and out of her home, I am sure she’s a prostitute.” He made a noise of disgust as he grimaced at the thought, “Red-heads tend to be much too enthusiastic and feisty nonetheless. If you must, a single night and then never speak to her again.” Queen Alibeth was staring at him as he spoke in utter astonishment.

”If you’re going to delve into the Varian Kingdom, Princess Beatrice is your best choice. Elegant, beautiful, and well-developed in the right areas. If we could keep our relationship in good standing with the Varian Kingdom, it will be to our advantage… Hm, yes I rephrase. One of you must court Princess Beatrice… Auguste! You are far more suited to charming the Princess than your younger brother would be. This is a very important job; do not let me down. ”

Queen Alibeth put her face in her hands.

King Edin, of course, did not stop there. He kept scoping the room, rubbing his chin, ”Hmm yes, Lady Thea doesn’t seem too thrilled with Prince Felix. If all fails with Beatrice or if Callum you come to your wits about your responsibility, maybe one of you could easily seduce her from that bland man. But then there are our own Caesonian women. Lady Violet Damien is an acceptable choice. Quiet and knows her place. A fine man such as Calbert would not raise a woman that was subpar. She’s also quite blessed in physical aspects. Though Lady Charlotte is a beauty, I will not have that mentally ill girl in any relation to me. Anyone living with that Vikena thing must be corrupted beyond damnation. That man’s foolishness is surely contagious. Probably murdered her mother to get close to Lorenzo out of some sort of Stockholm syndrome. Did you see the way she begged for his life? Twisted…”

As if on cue, Count Calbert moved in front of them from what seemed out of nowhere. Or King Edin had simply been too busy rambling to notice him eavesdropping from the side and slowly inching closer. King Edin finally noticed him and glanced his way as the man bowed and gave a charming smile, ”Your Highness. I am enjoying this fine occasion. As always, you put your best foot forward.” King Edin smiled at the compliment as he was easily buttered up, ” So hard-working… And does anyone ever even thank you enough for everything you do?” Calbert’s tone was ever so genuine and his expression sympathetic.

” Not nearly enough. If it weren’t for me, this Kingdom would never be as great as it is now. I hold no shame in my feeling about it as it is my life’s work and I am proud of it! You understand, yes, good man?”

Calbert smiled, ”Yes! If one puts their all into something, they have no business being humble about it, do they? You deserve to show the fruits of your effort with pride and the Kingdom loves you for all you do and who you are!”He raised his voice and threw his arms in the air as he spoke, garnering some attention from nearby guests. With a wink and smile towards them, they all began to applaud. King Edin looked like a child on Christmas morning as he waved to them.

”Now, now… Count Calbert… Surely you did not just come up here to butter me up like a biscuit, did you?” King Edin said with a bit of a blush to his cheeks. He always got a little flustered when it came to talking about how great he was. The truth was like music to his ears. ” What can I do for you, good man?”

” It is indeed courting season and our children are all coming to that age… That beautiful, delicate age where they fall in step with their parents as adults and need to find their own life partners, however, they are quite inexperienced and need guidance. You see, my beautiful and darling Violet, I want only the best for her as I am sure you do your own. You can understand that right? Not only do we love our children, but…. We want them to reflect well upon us as well. I do not think I can think of any suitor better than your humble and polite sons.”

King Edin glanced at Callum, raising a brow to him questioningly then glanced at Count Calbert, ”Well. We can discuss it certainly. “ He looked at Callum and Auguste, ” Boys, you’re dismissed. Go flutter about and enjoy the party. I’m tired of all your jabbering.”

Riona was still fuming mad when the first melodrama of the still early night finally reached its anticlimactic conclusion. Honestly, the guests could have done the world a favor by slaughtering each other. Especially that Leo Woodworm, or whatever that redheaded bastard’s name is. Over polished the floor her a**. What did he know about cleaning? I bet he’s never cleaned his own damn room. How dare he try to shift the blame to us! Who the f**k does he think he is? Riona continued to spew all sorts of profanities in her head as she silently waited for waste to be dumped on the ground. Because that was what many of these nobles were, overgrown toddlers prone to temper tantrums. Sure, there were decent nobles out there just as there were atrocious commoners. Riona had lived long enough to know that people were a multitude of complexities, but it also didn’t change the fact that the King of Caesonia attracted equally rotten people to him and since he refused to interact with commoners unless it was absolutely necessary, that only left nobles around him. So Riona's claim that there were a lot of terrible nobles in Caesonia was not unreasonable. Doubly so given the kingdom’s knack for murdering or banishing the good sort.

Riona had just come to the decision to over polish every square inch of Lord Smithwood’s quarters when the ballroom doors opened, revealing that Callum’s plan to hide out in the library had failed. Why he thought no one would find him in his arguably most favorite part of the castle was beyond her understanding. She and every Caesonian servant paused what they were doing to bow to the princes as they approached their parents.

While King Edin was widely feared and despised by his servants, they were divided in which prince they supported: Prince Wulfric, Prince Auguste, or Callum. Riona was one of the few outliers who didn’t support any of the princes. She’d prefer that none of them become the next king. The Danrose legacy could die in a ditch for all she cared. In fact, she hoped it would.

Out of the three brothers, Riona disliked Prince Wulfric the most. Not because she knew him on a personal level to dislike him –if anything she knew very little of the eldest son–, but because he was both King Edin and Queen Alibeth’s favorite and the next in line to the throne. That was reason enough for Riona.

The Second Prince, Auguste, was not too bad. He was one of, if not the friendliest of the Danroses. She’d never seen him mistreat a commoner unless provoked and he was lenient on the servants. He, however, lacked the courage to stand against his father. For all that talk about equal respect, when it came down to it, Riona believed Prince Auguste cared more about bringing honor to his house than happiness for his people.

… But more than that, she was terrified of him.

The crazed glint in his eyes and the euphoric smile on his face while sparring mirrored the predatory smile King Edin had when he watched his prey struggle helplessly against the inevitable; the sadistic satisfaction derived from knowing that their fate was in his hands. Excruciating pain shot through Riona’s stomach every time she saw that smile so, she avoided Prince Auguste to avoid remembering.

And then, there was Callum. The one Danrose she, much to her own disappointment, liked. An amazing feat considering Riona tried to kill him many years ago.

Over a decade ago, Callum had fallen gravely ill. The young prince was bedridden for days, even weeks, and many feared the worst. One night, when the castle was short-staffed, Riona was ordered to deliver a jug of fresh water to the prince’s room. It was supposed to be a quick job. She’d be in and out of the room before anyone's attention was drawn to her. She never found out why, but he was unsupervised when she arrived.

Riona recalled staring down the boy by candlelight, wondering why he wouldn’t just die already. One Danrose was more than Caesonia could handle, it didn’t need more of these wicked creatures roaming its lands. Perhaps, she thought, she could slay one while she had the chance. Although she was just a girl herself, it was weak and smaller than she was. More importantly, no one was there to stop her. She could do it.

Riona climbed onto the bed and straddled the boy, careful not to put any weight on him until the moment was right. She slowly reached over to wrap her hands around his neck. All she had to do was clasp his neck and lean on him with all her weight. She’d watch him thrash and struggle, like it did. She would stare him straight in the eyes, like it did. And she would smile as life gradually left his body, like it did.

Her eyes began to sting more and more every second, and her breathing became more ragged. She could do this. Regardless of its form, it was still the spawn of a vile monster. There was no need to feel sorry for it. Riona prayed to her family for the strength to vanquish it. But before her prayers were heard, the tears that could no longer defy gravity fell from her eyes onto Callum’s face. His eyes fluttered open and there was a moment of absolute stillness.

Looking back on it, Riona still had the chance to strangle him then and there, but him waking up before she could do the deed startled her so much that she bolted out of his chambers. She waited for the royal guards to apprehend her for days, but that day never came. At one point she thought that the reason why the prince hadn’t reported her was because he was still in a stupor when he saw her. If so, he might have thought that she was a figment of his fever induced imagination.

Her wishful thinking, however, was dashed the next time they crossed paths. Callum recognized Riona almost immediately, but in an unusual turn of events, Callum confessed his disdain for his family, particularly his father. That shared hatred for King Edin became the foundation of their strange amity.

Ever since, the prince and the servant have been on friendly terms. Though Riona still struggled with the fact that he was a Danrose, she started to see Prince Callum as Callum. She learned to care enough about him to cover Callum’s tracks after his antics whenever she could. Her herbalism knowledge, which had previously been limited to more hazardous concoctions, expanded to encompass remedies for the times when Callum was too stubborn to tell anyone that he was feeling sick that day or when he hurt himself from more dubious activities.

Now, she was comfortable enough around him that when it was just the two of them, she allowed herself to lower her guard slightly. They would then talk like friends would… but they were not friends.

They couldn’t be friends. For both his sake and hers.

To befriend him was a betrayal.