[color=lightgray]
[center][h1][Color=gold]Alexander[/color] and [color=teal] Countess Liliane Damien [/color][/h1][/center]
[sub][center][color=gold]Time:[/color] Morning, between the time Lily left Cassius and when she returns[/center][/sub]
[sub][center][color=gold]Location:[/color] Alley outside Tough Tavern[/center][/sub]
[sub][center][color=teal]Mention:[/color][@Tpartywithzombi] Violet[/center][/sub]
[hr]
[Color=gold]“Preferably.”[/color] A speck of seduction sprinkled into the single word reply as he took her arm. The two stepped outside, with Alexander dawning his umbrella first for the two to share. [Color=gold]“This way.”[/color] He led them just around the corner at the mouth of the alley beside the tavern.

[Color=gold]“Countess, before I say anything, I would like to share that the Black Rose is using much of the company's resources to locate your daughter and see to it she makes it home safely and that your family owes us nothing.”[/color]

[color=teal]“It’s so appreciated, Alexander.”[/color] Liliane adjusted her position to face him. 
[color=teal]“Really. You’ve all been so darling… Might I inquire if there is anything that can be done to improve Violet’s quality of life as well? Her difficulty with her condition deeply stresses my husband and I.”[/color] 

Alexander's mask slightly cracked upon the mention of Violet's condition. [Color=gold][I]Does she know?[/I][/color] His widened eyes peered into Liliane's. [Color=gold][I]No, that's not possible.[/I][/color] He abruptly shook his head apologetically with an embarrassed smile. 

[Color=gold]“Apologies. I- Well, it's not important. What's important is me addressing your question.”[/color] He recovered and took a breath as he prepared to share his guidance. [Color=gold]“I understand you are having a difficult time and wish to keep things in-house. Those with the strongest hearts do not wish to see their burdens be placed on others.”[/color] His hand clasped hers firmly. [Color=gold]“But you should consider allowing the Black Rose Company to assist in keeping a watchful eye on your daughter, especially after what we uncovered last night. It's troubling, Liliane.”[/color] His brows furrowed with concern.

Concern filled her expression. [color=teal]“What ever did you uncover?”[/color] Alexander made sure to look around to ensure their privacy before leaning toward her until their cheeks were beside each other as he spoke into her ear.

[Color=gold]“We found a dress matching what Violet planned to wear for the masquerade party. The torso was covered in blood. But… we failed to find a tear or disturbance on the dress. It's a good sign the blood doesn't belong to her, though that does pose a question. Whose blood is it?”[/color] Alexander retracted his face from hers, his expression stern and serious. [Color=gold]“The murder of a stable boy occurred last night. Decapitation with no body to be found. No suspects as of yet.”[/color]

Liliane’s eye twitched and she sighed deeply. Her gaze faltered as she took in the information. [color=teal] 
“...It seems that I must indeed request the assistance that you have offered, Mr. Deacon.”[/color] 

[Color=gold]“Do not sound so defeated, Liliane. Your family has established strong ties with us. We'll keep things under control… but you have to be willing to hand us the reins so we may do just that. Your husband, as great of a protector that is, is no longer enough I'm afraid. Focus on keeping your family together and we will focus on keeping you and your loved ones protected.”[/color] He smiled to lift her spirits. [Color=gold]“I recommend your husband speak to Marek promptly when the opportunity arises. As for you, if you need to speak to a representative of the Black Rose [I]in private[/I], reach out to myself. About anything”[/color]

Liliane smiled graciously and took his hand in hers. [color=teal]“You’re a saint, Mr. Deacon. I am certain he’ll be seeing Marek again very soon.”[/color]

[Color=gold]“Great, I will see if I can… make Marek more available to him.”[/color] Alexander tilted his head toward the Tavern entrance before leading Lianne over. [Color=gold]“As for saints, the true saint is yourself, Liliane. The purest person I've come across in this decorated den of lies. Keep that smile, keep that warmth. It's indeed a treasure even I am envious of lacking. Farewell Countess Damien, dear.”[/color] 
[/color]