[color=lightgray][h1][center][color=DDB775]King Edin’s Meet and Greets[/color][/center][/h1] [center][sub][color=DDB775]Mentions:[/color] [@TpartywithZombi] Violet, Ariella [@PapaOso] Cassius [@Helo] Callum [@Silverpaw] Wulfric [/sub][/center] [hider=Meet and Greet 1][h2][center][color=#DDB775]K[/color][color=#D7B577]i[/color][color=#D2B47A]n[/color][color=#CCB27D]g[/color] [color=#C2B083]E[/color][color=#BCAE86]d[/color][color=#B7AD88]i[/color][color=#B2AC8B]n[/color] [color=#A7A991]a[/color][color=#A1A894]n[/color][color=#9CA697]d[/color] [color=#91A49C]C[/color][color=#8CA29F]o[/color][color=#87A1A2]u[/color][color=#81A0A5]n[/color][color=#7C9EA8]t[/color] [color=#719CAE]C[/color][color=#6C9AB0]a[/color][color=#6699B3]l[/color][color=#6198B6]b[/color][color=#5C96B9]e[/color][color=#5695BC]r[/color][color=#5194BF]t[/color] [/center][/h2] Count Calbert Damien was the first to take a seat before King Edin, a clear agenda on his mind. His steps were deliberate as he navigated through the throngs of guests, standing out in his blue suit. As he approached King Edin, who was still seated on his throne, Calbert caught the eye of the royal attendant. With a subtle nod, he signaled his desire for a private audience with the king. The attendant, recognizing the count's status, quickly whispered to King Edin, who gave a slight nod of approval. Calbert stepped forward, his face adorned with a practiced smile. He bowed deeply before the king. [color=4C93C2]"Your Majesty, it is an honor as always."[/color] he began smoothly. King Edin nodded, allowing a small smile to touch his lips. [color=DDB775] "Count Damien, rise and take a seat."[/color] Calbert straightened up, his eyes gleaming.[color=4C93C2]"Your Majesty, I come to discuss several important matters. But first, allow me to commend you on the grandeur of this event. It is truly a spectacle of magnificence. The ceremony was nothing short of extraordinary, and it is clear that your reign is a blessing to us all. Your generosity to feed so many of us after blessing us under a morning under the Gods’ gazes is not overlooked. "[/color] King Edin's smile widened. [color=DDB775]"You are too kind, Count Calbert. It is always a pleasure to witness my efforts recognized with such appreciation. I labor tirelessly for this kingdom and deserve every commendation bestowed upon me. Truly, where would the kingdom be without my wise and benevolent guidance?”[/color] He stroked his beard thoughtfully, [color=DDB775] “ So many would find themselves hopelessly adrift without my steady hand to lead them."[/color] Calbert leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, [color=4C93C2] "And that painting, what an abomination it was to see it defaced. Such disrespect to a symbol of your greatness is utterly dreadful. It is fortunate that we have a ruler as wise and composed as yourself to handle such affronts."[/color] Edin's eyes darkened momentarily at the mention of the painting, but Calbert's words quickly soothed him. [color=DDB775]“Indeed, it was a disgrace. But rest assured, those responsible will be found and dealt with accordingly."[/color] [color=4C93C2] "Of course, Your Majesty. If there is anything I can do to assist, please do not fail to enlighten me.“ [/color] [color=DDB775] “It will be dealt with.”[/color] King Edin said simply, his attention turning downward as a waitress set his appetizer in front of him. He was staring straight at a creation of his face made of cheese, eyes made of olives staring back at him. [color=4C93C2]"...Your Majesty, if I may,"[/color] Calbert began, his tone shifting to one of grave concern, [color=4C93C2]"I must discuss the distressing situation regarding my missing daughter, Violet. She has been missing since last night and I fear for her safety. I request additional men and resources for a more extensive search. This matter requires the utmost priority. My family has been targeted consistently, and we need increased protection to prevent any further incidents."[/color] King Edin’s eyes narrowed, his gaze boring into him as he intensely placed a forkful of cheese into his mouth. He chewed slowly, the moment drawing out so long it quickly became awkward. [color=DDB775]"...Count Calbert, your concerns are valid. We cannot allow such threats to persist. I will see to it that more resources are allocated for the search and for your family's protection."[/color] [color=4C93C2]"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your support means everything to us,"[/color] Calbert replied, bowing slightly before continuing. [color=4C93C2]"On a different note, I wanted to discuss the potential matches between our children. My daughters, Violet and Crystal, and my son, Cassius, could make excellent matches for the princes and princess. It would be beneficial to keep the power amongst long-time Caesonian nobility. We all know the Varian and Alidasht visitors will always be simply that… They will [i]always[/i] remain loyal to their own kingdoms at the end of the day. "[/color] King Edin stroked his beard, contemplating the proposal. [color=DDB775]"Indeed... We can certainly arrange something to explore these possibilities further."[/color] However, Edin's demeanor shifted as he brought up a sensitive topic rather quickly. [color=DDB775]"Speaking of your son, Cassius… We must also acknowledge that he is a bastard."[/color] Count Calbert's face tightened. [color=DDB775] “Now, now. Do understand and see from my eyes. Your first wife left not only you, but her position, and snatched your son from you, did she not? Such a shameful, disgraceful woman can not be trusted to raise a man of caliber. “[/color] Calbert’s voice was measured but tense as he replied, [color=4C93C2]"Your Majesty, Cassius is a capable and honorable man. I can assure you that."[/color] King Edin seemed unfazed as he dove in for more cheese. [color=DDB775]"...Somehow… I doubt that …However, Anastasia does not appeal to important, well-mannered gentlemen in our kingdom anyhow. Perhaps it would be a good match after all. I would like to meet your bastard and see for myself what sort of creature we are dealing with, especially if he is to one day fall in your footsteps.” [/color] Calbert clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to react. [color=4C93C2]"As you say…I must remind you of the urgency regarding Violet's safety, then depart."[/color] With that, the count bowed stiffly, his anger barely concealed. [color=4C93C2]"Thank you for your time, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave now."[/color] King Edin, however, shrugged it off and licked his fingers. [/hider] [hider=Meet and Greet 2][h2][center][color=#DDB775]K[/color][color=#DDB775]i[/color][color=#DDB876]n[/color][color=#DDB977]g[/color] [color=#DDBB78]E[/color][color=#DDBC79]d[/color][color=#DDBD7A]i[/color][color=#DDBE7B]n[/color] [color=#DDC07C]a[/color][color=#DDC07D]n[/color][color=#DDC17E]d[/color] [color=#DDC380]D[/color][color=#DDC480]u[/color][color=#DDC581]c[/color][color=#DDC682]h[/color][color=#DDC783]e[/color][color=#DDC884]s[/color][color=#DDC985]s[/color] [color=#DDCA86]V[/color][color=#DDCB87]i[/color][color=#DDCC88]c[/color][color=#DDCD89]t[/color][color=#DDCE89]o[/color][color=#DDCF8A]r[/color][color=#DDD08B]i[/color][color=#DDD18C]a[/color][/center][/h2] Duchess Victoria approached King Edin's throne, her nose upturned as she made her way. She sat down hastily, and immediately began fussing with her hair, ensuring each strand was perfectly in place. Her gloved hands folded delicately in her lap, she cast a disdainful glance at King Edin, who was eating his cheese messily, crumbs falling onto his lap. King Edin's enjoyment of his meal was apparent, but every bite he took seemed to offend the Duchess further. She grimaced visibly, her lips curling in disgust at his lack of decorum, and cleared her throat loudly. He looked up and glared at her. [color=#DDC380]"Your Majesty,"[/color] she began, her voice dripping with disdain as she straightened her already impeccable posture, [color=#DDC380]"I am here to discuss my daughters, Ariella and Priscilla. They are the epitome of beauty and grace, the perfect matches for your princes. No women in the kingdom can compare to their loveliness. And my son Drake is the perfect match for your pretty little Anastasia. "[/color] King Edin paused his meal. [color=#DDB775]"Indeed, Victoria... However, we must also address the matter of Ariella’s behavior. We discussed earlier how Callum has been a bad influence on her."[/color] She made a face. [color=#DDB775] “... You attended the church ceremony, did you not? … I trust you saw the painting.”[/color] Victoria sucked in her lips as a laugh bubbled in her throat, immediately recalling the defaced painting. [color=#DDC380]" …I was very embarrassed for you, Your Majesty.”[/color] [color=#DDB775]“Do you also recall what you said to me about Callum and Ariella… And the rumors between them?”[/color] [color=#DDC380] “Ariella is better suited for Wulfric. Callum has a poor reputation and temperament. I see no future for my daughter with him."[/color] [color=#DDB775]“We found a small, slender footprint by the painting. and I have a strong feeling that this has something to do with them both… And I know your daughter has a reputation for her disdain for shoes... Thus, I would like your daughter present at the church tonight.”[/color] [color=#DDC380]“As if Ariella would ever go to a church on her own to deface a painting. She’s much too refined. ”[/color] she scoffed, though a bead of sweat betrayed her composure as it trickled down her cheek. [color=#DDC380]“Your grace, Prince Callum is [i]very[/i] mentally ill, as we all know. Surely, this is his doing?”[/color] The duchess opened her fan with a flourish and began to wave it at herself. [color=#DDB775] “If that is the case, then we shall see the truth tonight. She will be there, or I will have men drag her there... I wager neither of you want to endure the embarrassment of Ariella being dragged through the streets.”[/color] Duchess Victoria stood, her posture rigid with pride. [color=#DDC380]"Of course, Your Majesty. I will see to it personally."[/color] With a final, disdainful glance at the cheese on King Edin's plate, she stood up and returned to her table where she sat with her husband Duke Gideon, Count Landon Monet, and his children. [/hider] [hider=Meet and Greet 3][h2][center][color=#DDB775]K[/color][color=#DBB671]i[/color][color=#DAB56D]n[/color][color=#D9B46A]g[/color] [color=#D6B263]E[/color][color=#D5B15F]d[/color][color=#D4B05C]i[/color][color=#D2AF58]n[/color] [color=#D0AD51]a[/color][color=#CEAC4D]n[/color][color=#CDAB4A]d[/color] [color=#CBA943]G[/color][color=#C9A83F]r[/color][color=#C8A73C]a[/color][color=#C7A638]n[/color][color=#C6A535]d[/color] [color=#C3A32E]V[/color][color=#C2A22A]i[/color][color=#C0A126]z[/color][color=#BFA023]i[/color][color=#BE9F1F]e[/color][color=#BD9E1C]r[/color] [color=#BA9C15]H[/color][color=#B99B11]a[/color][color=#B89A0E]f[/color][color=#B6990A]i[/color][color=#B59807]z[/color] [/center][/h2] Hafiz bowed respectfully, a charming smile on his lips. [color=#B39700]"Your Majesty,"[/color] he said smoothly, [color=#B39700]"it is an honor to be in your presence."[/color] King Edin returned the smile. [color=DDB775]"Grand Vizier, welcome. Please, sit. We have much to discuss."[/color] Hafiz took a seat. [color=#B39700]"Your Majesty, it is evident that both Alidasht and Caesonia could greatly benefit from a strengthened alliance, particularly in light of the recent tensions. What are your thoughts on forging a closer relationship between our nations?"[/color] [color=DDB775]"Indeed, Grand Vizier. I recall your heated reaction during the unfortunate incident involving Duke Vikena during your arrival. Once again, I extend my apologies for his pitiful conduct. It is imperative that we maintain our relations, and your suggestion aligns with my best interests."[/color] King Edin took another bite of food, his eyes briefly meeting Hafiz's before returning to his meal. Hafiz glared at the face of cheese briefly while the King’s eyes had been averted. [color=#B39700]"Your Majesty, I am fully committed to ensuring the prosperity of Caesonia. While my brother tends to focus inward, Alidasht possesses abundant resources that could greatly benefit your kingdom. I stand ready to advise the Sultan on any matters you deem essential."[/color] [color=DDB775]"...I have been contemplating the potential of our alliance. United, our kingdoms could achieve unparalleled power. The possibilities are limitless."[/color] King Edin wiped his lips with a napkin, his gaze sharpening. Hafiz leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering. [color=#B39700]"Or perhaps, together, we could dominate those who oppose us… when the time is right, of course."[/color] King Edin paused, his expression shifting as a slow smile spread across his face. The thought of a world without the Varian Kingdom, a world with Caesonia's dominance, tantalized him. [color=DDB775]"Indeed, the thought is most appealing."[/color] Hafiz continued, his tone persuasive, [color=#B39700]"Your Majesty, envision the possibilities. Our combined forces could secure our interests and subdue any adversaries. A strategic marriage could further solidify our alliance. Princess Anastasia, for instance, would suit my needs for a wife. As Grand Vizier, I am well-positioned to ensure such a union is advantageous for both our realms. Perhaps one day, I could ensure such benefit in… a more powerful way."[/color] King Edin's eyes gleamed with interest. [color=DDB775]"Anastasia, you say? A union of that nature would indeed fortify our ties. "[/color] He also enjoyed the idea of the girl being sent off to an entirely different nation. Hafiz nodded, leaning in slightly. [color=#B39700]"Precisely, Your Majesty. A marriage between our families would symbolize unity.. and strength..."[/color] King Edin pondered this, his mind racing with the possibilities. [color=DDB775]"You present a compelling argument, Grand Vizier. "[/color] Hafiz's smile widened, [color=#B39700]"With your consent, Your Majesty, I would love to arrange a meeting with the princess."[/color] King Edin nodded, his smile returning. [color=DDB775]"We shall proceed with your plan, Grand Vizier. Let us see where this path leads us."[/color] [/hider] [/color]