[color=lightgray][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240427/59ac80505366726aee49336e3b47ef24.png[/img][sub][Color=salmon]Lorenzo[/color] & [Color=D0B4EC]Charlotte[/color][/sub][/center]
[Color=D0B4EC][b]Time:[/b][/color] Morning
[Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] Sorian Church


Lorenzo could not help but feel a bit nervous as he and Charlotte arrived at the church. Especially with his streak of causing some type of commotion at whatever gathering he attended. This time (for sure!) he would ensure that he would make no wrong moves. This wouldn't be like the beach. This wouldn't be like the ball. This wouldn't be like breakfast at the park. This wouldn't be like the theater play. This wouldn't be like the dinner with the Alidasht royal family. And to top it all off, Lorenzo hadn't relapsed…yet. 

He found Charlotte's suggestion of sitting in the back as they both entered to be genius. It would keep them out of sight and out of mind to the others in attendance and also give them the…

[Color=salmon]“Perfect opportunity to make fun of the backs of people's heads.”[/color] Lorenzo whispered with a mischievous grin.

She giggled and nudged him lightly with her elbow, [Color=D0B4EC]“And after your legendary hat contest, I'm sure you're more than qualified to judge.”[/color] With a small journal in her hand, she and Lorenzo made their way over to a less populated pew in the back and took their seats. [Color=D0B4EC]“So tell me, what earns the top marks in the Duke of Vermillion’s grand hat league? The audacity of the feathers or the sheer altitude of the hats?”[/color] Charlotte then mused with mirth in her gaze. Lorenzo pressed his lips together, stifling a laugh. He briefly allowed a smile to break free before putting on a serious face.

[Color=salmon]“Hmph. Well, Lady Vikena the feathers and attitudes of competing hats are indeed qualifying factors to earn a place in the realm of the grand hat league but it is often a unique flair that allows a hat to outshine all others.”[/color] Lorenzo held his nose up high like a pompous art critic. 

[Color=D0B4EC]“Oh well I’ll certainly keep that in mind. I plan to win the next one.”[/color] She patted her head with a cheeky smile. [Color=D0B4EC] “Going to have a real show-stopper up on this noggin of mine.”[/color]

[color=salmon]“For instance,”[/color] his voice became a whisper. [color=salmon]“Do you see the ears on that man three pews ahead,  in the blue…”[/color] She followed his gaze as he spoke of a man in blue, hesitating briefly. [color=salmon]“Charlotte, my dear, if that man turns his head too quickly, he might blow half the members of his pew away.”[/color]  



[Color=D0B4EC]“...Oh goodness. The poor dear. “[/color] Charlotte shook her head and teased him, [Color=D0B4EC]“We’re in a church, we should be nice.”[/color] A smirk slowly grew on her lips and she added in a whisper, [Color=D0B4EC] “It’ll most likely be King Edin’s ego that takes up all the air space in the room and throws us all off the pews.”[/color]

[color=salmon]“For a second I thought you were mistaking ego for his intolerance to dairy but we haven’t gotten to that part just yet. Speaking of, are you up for attending the grand opening of The Royal Curd as well?”[/color] He wondered if she ever felt any event fatigue with so much happening this courting season.
 
Charlotte sighed thoughtfully. [Color=D0B4EC]“Hmm… I am a little weary from the ball last night, however, if you are going, I’d like to come with you.”[/color] She smiled at him but her eyes saddened, a sight Lorenzo never wished to see on his precious daughter's face. [Color=D0B4EC]“Truthfully, I’ve missed spending time with you the last few days. I was really glad to hear you wanted me to come with you this morning.”[/color]

[Color=salmon]“Lottie.”[/color] He took her hand in his, squeezing it firmly. She returned the gesture immediately and affectionately.  [Color=salmon]“It’s how things should always be. You and I against… whoever seeks to usurp the mighty fairy mermaid queen. And, I'm so very sorry if I made you believe otherwise with how I behaved in the carriage that night. There's no excuse for that and… I don't want to ever worry you… so we can have a long discussion about the things in my room… but only after enjoying all the cheese you can eat.”[/color] He smiled, his eyes glistening as they slightly teared up.

As he spoke, the smile on her face finally reached her eyes. [Color=D0B4EC]“Well… Nobody would respect a future duchess who refused free cheese, so a cheese party it is.”[/color] She then leaned her head on his shoulder and added softly, [Color=D0B4EC]“It’ll always be you and I; I have your back no matter what.”[/color] 

[Color=salmon]“And I am grateful, Lottie. I wouldn't have it any other way…”[/color] Lorenzo peered down at her, giving her hand another comforting squeeze. [Color=salmon]“Lottie, you [I]do[/I] have my back no matter what. If only you could be my advisor.”[/color] He sighed. [Color=salmon]“Finding someone suitable has been a tad difficult and if I don't choose before Prince Wulfric becomes impatient, he'll select someone for me.”[/color]

[Color=D0B4EC]“... Hmm. Do not fret. I will prepare a list of options for you by the end of this event…”[/color] She removed her pen from the binder of the journal, a click filling the air.  [Color=D0B4EC]“Did Prince Wulfric present you any guidelines for what constitutes someone suitable?”[/color]

[Color=salmon]“Hmm.”[/color] Lorenzo scratched his head trying to recall the conversation. It was funny how clearly he remembered the prince's unamused expressions more than his words. [Color=salmon]“I don't think so but it should be someone I would listen to. Someone to help me make better decisions. Emina had been that for me-… though I believe I… I believe I often upset her.”[/color]

Charlotte was quiet for a moment before she said, [Color=D0B4EC] “I often upset her too.”[/color] She opened the journal and got to work writing. [Color=D0B4EC] “No peeking.”[/color][/color]