[color=lightgray][center][h3] [color=D0B4EC]Charlotte[/color], [color=salmon]Lorenzo[/color], [color=hotpink]Leo[/color], [color=1E90FF]Sjandehk[/color], [color=228B22]Iyen[/color], [color=#4DD0E1]Kira[/color], [color=#8D3B72]Kalliope[/color], and [color=Floralwhite]Morrigan[/color]

[COLOR=gold]PART 4[/color]
[COLOR=gold]Location: The Royal Curd[/color][/h3][/center]


Lady Morrigan ordered [i]Our Majesty’s Favorite Fondue[/i], no doubt intending to share with the table. The Knight simply shook his head as the waiter looked to him expectantly. His strict diet left no room for such indulgences, and he gestured for the next person to order.

The Knight’s eyes flicked over to Lady Morrigan. Her hand still rested in Duke Vikena’s grasp. With how uncomfortable he was, it was a wonder the duke hadn’t yanked himself free already. Either the man was too polite for his own good or his spine was made of pudding. Additionally, Charlotte was also now staring at their joined hands.

Kalliope had grabbed the menu and immediately flipped to the desserts, not even caring to be bothered by anything else. Her eyes landed on one dish and she felt a smirk spread across her lips. [color=#8D3B72]”So Chad, darling, tell me…how seductive is the Seductress Delight? Is it worth ordering? Because, if so, I certainly want that.”[/color]

[Color=yellow]“How seductive?”[/color] Chad grinned charmingly while bouncing his eyebrows. [Color=yellow]“Enough to take some back home, if you know what I mean.”[/color] He winked. [Color=yellow]“Trust me, you definitely want it… And we have an order of Our Majesty's FAVORITE FONDUE, and [I]the tantalizing, creamy, chocolate drizzled, Seductress Delight[/I].”[/color]

Curiosity and apprehension coloured Sjan-dehk’s expression as the waiter approached. Between his eerily wide smile, his overly-exuberant mannerisms, and his general appearance, Sjan-dehk thought about the possibility of Iyen being, once again right; that they had stumbled onto yet another cult. He carefully observed each person at the table. None of them seemed to find the waiter to be anything too out-of-the-ordinary, and so he decided that this was simply normal for this part of the world.

The menu made little sense to him – he understood the individual words, but not the sentences they were used to construct – and so he didn’t bother with it. [color=1E90FF]“I will follow her,”[/color] he said and pointed over to Kalliope. [color=1E90FF]“Whatever she have, I will also.”[/color]

[color=228B22][i]“And I share with him,”[/i][/color] Iyen piped up and, in turn, pointed to Sjan-dehk.

[color=1E90FF][i]“Are you going to pay half, or is this another one of those times when we share and I end up paying for it all?”[/i][/color] Sjan-dehk asked drily, but didn’t say anything to go against her words. 

[color=228B22][i]“Relax, Sjan-dehk,”[/i][/color] Iyen said cheerily and patted him on the back. [color=228B22][i]“You know I always pay back my debts to you.”[/i][/color] She glanced over at Kalliope again, and with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes and a playful grin on her lips, she added in a low voice, [color=228B22][i]“One way or another.”[/i][/color]

[Color=yellow]“Ooooooh sharing the Seductress Delight, I see. The passion of young love and cheese. A delectable fusion of exotic flavor for this table indeed.”[/color] Chad bounced his eyebrows once more as he was beginning to find the theme for this table. The wanted and the want to be wanted.

Kali snapped her menu shut, much louder than necessary, before setting it down and turning to Chad once more. If Iyen wanted to play, then she would play. [color=#8D3B72]“You know what, Chad? Make an extra special and big one of the Seductress Delight and all three of us right here will share.”[/color] She gestured largely to herself, Sjan-dehk, and Iyen just to make sure Iyen understood what she was saying. Chad let out a wide-eyed gasp, taking a step back from the table after such a request. Kali's eyes fell back to Iyen as a wicked grin formed on her face. [color=#8D3B72]“I'll pay….you can pay back the debt to me, Iyen.”[/color]

Chad inched half a step closer as if he'd understand the foreign language but was hardly noticed.

[color=228B22][i]“Is that so?”[/i][/color] Iyen made a show of looking Kalliope up and down. [color=228B22][i]“Can’t say I mind–”[/i][/color]

[color=1E90FF][i]“Enough,”[/i][/color] Sjan-dehk cut her off mid-sentence. He didn’t have the slightest clue as to what was going on between these two, and if he had to be honest, he didn’t quite care. Iyen’s playfulness was crossing lines, and Kalliope wasn’t helping by goading her on; that much he knew, and that much he was going to stop. First, he took Iyen firmly by the arm and carefully pushed her back onto her chair. [color=1E90FF][i]“I don’t know what’s happening here, but I don’t want this to go any further.”[/i][/color] His tone, stern and officious, was the one he used as Captain.

All the while, Chad continued to close in on the three.

Iyen pressed her fingers to her lips and giggled. [color=228B22][i]“And there’s the Sjan-dehk I know.”[/i][/color] Sjan-dehk shot her a glare and she raised her hands in mock surrender. [color=228B22][i]“Alright, Captain. Since you asked so forcefully, I’ll stop for now.”[/i][/color]She leaned over the table to look at Kalliope. [color=228B22][i]“Sorry for that,”[/i][/color] she said in a melodic, sing-song voice.

Sjan-dehk shook his head and turned to Kalliope. [color=1E90FF][i]“She can be a handful, but she’s a good person at heart and a damn good fighter. Saved my life many times, she did, and I know it’s hard to believe, but she’s done plenty more good than bad.”[/i][/color] He picked up the menu and looked at it again. [color=1E90FF][i]“I’ll pay for whatever we’re having,”[/i][/color]he said. [color=1E90FF][i]“And don’t bother paying me back. Consider this me paying for some peace.”[/i][/color]

[color=#8D3B72]”Aye, aye, Captain.”[/color] Kalliope grumbled in response while abruptly turning away from the pair, turning her attention once more to the table.

Chad might as well have pulled up a chair as he was now crouched in the narrow space between Sjan-dehk and Iyen. Oddly, he wasn't looking at either of them and instead stared blankly through the space between them.

[Color=yellow]“The food is on the house…”[/color] he whispered chillingly just before bouncing back up and hurriedly moving to Lorenzo's side. [Color=yellow]“And if it isn't Duke Lorrrrrrrrrenzo Vikena.”[/color] He rolled the Rs of Lorenzo's name. [Color=yellow]“Are you sharing Our Majesty's FAVORITE FONDUE with Lady Morrigan Danrose?”[/color]

[Color=salmon]“Danrose? Thee Morrigan Danrose?”[/color] Lorenzo's expression briefly went blank. When it returned he spoke once more. [Color=salmon]“Um, well, I guess I should make this meal count,”[/color] [color=salmon][I]since it might be my last.[/I][/color] Lorenzo looked down at his already closed menu, reconsidering his options. 

[Color=salmon]“One of everything.”[/color] Charlotte had been taking a sip of water as he spoke and nearly choked.

[Color=yellow]“Ev-Everything? One of everything?”[/color] One of Chad's eyes twitched.

[Color=salmon]“Hmm, that does seem selfish. Two of everything. Leo can have a pick of whatever he wants from my collection and everyone else can try the cheese items they didn't have a chance to order. Maybe take some home, like you offered to Miss Kalliope… Arden.”[/color] Lorenzo needed to write these new names down when he had the chance.

When the Knight saw Duke Vikena’s expression change, he expected him to recoil from Lady Morrigan’s touch in disgust. But he surprised him by doing no such thing. Even Lady Morrigan tilted her head slightly. Though if it was because she was surprised by his reaction or because she spotted something else behind that blank expression, he didn’t know.

In any case, she stopped tracing little circles on the Duke’s hand with her thumb and laid her other hand gently over his in a gesture that almost looked reassuring. As reassuring as getting a hug from one of those giant snakes that live in the jungle, the Knight imagined.

[Color=yellow]“Cheese! Cheese! And more cheese for the Duke and his friends! Does Leo Smithwood agree? Agree to share in the cheese?”[/color]

[color=hotpink]“Agreed.”[/color] Leo shrugged and snapped his menu closed. Might as well try all the strange cheese dishes. He looked up at Chadder and was clearly taken aback for a moment by the overly eager, wide-eyed waiter who wore a smile with way too many teeth. [color=hotpink]“Make it a true cheese feast for the table.”[/color] 

[color=Floralwhite]“Why stop at two? Go for three, four!”[/color] Lady Morrigan said excitedly, [color=Floralwhite]“Take advantage of this while you can.”[/color] He just barely caught the, [color=Floralwhite]“I know I would.”[/color] Her gaze caught the Knight’s, and he quickly looked away, taking a long swig of water. Even after all these years, he couldn’t quite pin down where his mistress’s true loyalties lay. Sometimes he suspected she had none at all - that she just wanted to sit back and watch the world burn.

Charlotte felt a giggle bubble up in her throat. The thought of publicly taking advantage of King Edin's funds brought her a certain delight. As she giggled, the water went down the wrong pipe, causing her to splutter slightly. She patted her chest, trying to regain her composure.

[color=Floralwhite]“Charlotte, my dear! Are you quite alright?”[/color] Lady Morrigan picked up her napkin and leaned across Duke Vikena, tilting the younger woman’s chin up. She gently dabbed at Lady Charlotte’s mouth with the cloth, wiping away the droplets that had escaped when she sputtered. All the while, Lorenzo felt obligated to hold Morrigan up to prevent her from falling into his lap.

[Color=salmon]“I think she's fine. Her mother said she would spit up often as a babe.”[/color] Lorenzo looked down at the woman, realizing he was becoming more and more compromised by his [I]new friend[/I].

[color=Floralwhite]“Aww, that’s so cute!”[/color] His mistress cooed, patting Lady Charlotte’s cheek before turning to the duke and giving him a smile of a very different variety.

[Color=salmon][I]What does that look mean?[/I][/color]

Leo glanced at Morrigan, wondered if she was drunk, and asked [color=hotpink]“Do you think four of everything would even fit on the table?”[/color] 

Lady Morrigan turned her head to Lord Leo as she sat back down in her seat. [color=Floralwhite]“Goodness gracious! With these portion sizes? Of course not.”[/color] Mentally, the Knight added [i]Don’t be absurd,[/i] in her voice.

Charlotte’s cheeks reddened, [color=D0B4EC] “Oh-um… Thank you very much! You’re too kind… The water went down the wrong pipe is all.”[/color] Her eyes traveled to Lorenzo thoughtfully, and then shifted back to Morrigan, [color=D0B4EC] “Do you think I could switch seats with you, Lorenzo? So that… Morrigan and I could have a little ladies chat.”[/color]

[Color=salmon]“Hm? Well I don't see why not.”[/color] Lorenzo felt a slight wave of relief wash over him, but there was still an issue. Peering down at Morrigan, she was still in his grasp. [Color=salmon]“Morrigan, would you like to take my seat to speak with Charlotte. You're already most of the way here.”[/color] Poor Lorenzo… he wasn't helping himself.

At this point, the Knight found it hard to believe the duke wasn’t doing this on purpose. With practiced coyness, Lady Morrigan batted her lashes, cheeks flushed as her gaze flitted between the man and his stepdaughter. [color=Floralwhite]“Why, Lorenzo, such forwardness! … How can a lady refuse such an invitation from a silverfox?”[/color] And with that, she settled fully onto Duke Vikena’s lap, facing his stepdaughter. His body jolted still, as he simply sat there in utter shock from her progressive advances.

Taking Lady Charlotte’s hands, Lady Morrigan asked, [color=Floralwhite]“What was it you wanted to talk about, dear?”[/color]

The scene that just played out right in front of Kalliope’s eyes had her staring in disbelief at Lorenzo and Morrigan. The Duke really was exceptional at inserting his foot into his mouth, wasn’t he? [color=#8D3B72]”For fucks sake, Morrigan, you really do like to make a scene, huh? You know as well as I do that’s NOT what the Duke meant.”[/color] She lashed out at the woman while rolling her eyes. The woman truly had no shame.

[color=Floralwhite]“Kalliope, manners!”[/color] Lady Morrigan gasped softly, before turning to the Vikenas [color=Floralwhite]“I am so sorry, she’s still upset from finding out that the man she fancies is already in a relationship with a lovely lady.”[/color] She smiled and winked at Iyen.

Iyen caught the wink and responded with one of her own.

[Color=salmon]“A-As am I! Yes, I, Duke Lorenzo Vikena, am in a relationship with a lovely lady as well. Just like the fellow there, Mr. Sayjandak,”[/color] he announced. Sjan-dehk breathed out through his nose, a long and tired sigh. He didn’t bother correcting the butchery of his name; he doubted the Duke would be able to get accustomed to the proper pronunciation, and he should get used to such occurrences, anyway. It wouldn’t be the last, and surely wouldn’t be the worst. 

[color=Floralwhite]“Is that so?”[/color] Lady Morrigan’s face fell and her voice came out small. [color=Floralwhite]“And… who might this lucky lady be?”[/color] Her reply stunned Lorenzo who was just looking for an out. Now he had to deliver… or perhaps not as Kira's voice carrying a distinct accent would begin its rounds at the table. Just what did this exotic and mysterious woman have in store?

Her gaze flickered back to Kalliope, Iyen and Sjan. [color=#4DD0E1]”Captain, you’re a wanted man. I had no idea you were so popular, I would have sat next to you in the church rather than face the royals. Although, the tigress here may not have enjoyed it. My apologies, Miss. Your name is lovely, by the way.”[/color] Kira turned to face the others.

Kalliope merely blinked at Kira, unamused. [color=#8D3B72]”Thanks.”[/color] Was all she could find to say to the woman, frustrated by the compliment that was clearly meant to mask the previous teasing comment.  

[color=1E90FF]“Iyen, me, we are only good friends.”[/color]  The exasperation in Sjan-dehk’s words were palpable, and he didn’t say it to Kira as much as he was saying it to everyone involved with this silly and inane conversation. A conversation that should have ended some time ago, he would add. There was no discernible reason for the strange woman sitting on the Duke’s lap to revive it. Sjan-dehk had been perfectly happy sitting back and observing all that was going on, and there was certainly a lot for him to observe, and painfully little that he could actually understand.

He sighed and shook his head slightly before turning to face Kira. [color=1E90FF]“Apologies,”[/color]  he mumbled, his tone sheepish. [color=1E90FF]“Did not–I mean, should not be upset at you. Thank you for your words. They are most kind. But popular, no, I am not. Only unfortunate.”[/color] 

[color=228B22][i]“Two beautiful ladies arguing over you, and you call that unfortunate?”[/i][/color]  Iyen teased, a playful grin on her face. She cast a quick, momentary glance over to Kalliope. [color=228B22][i]“I think most men would love to be as unfortunate as you, Captain.”[/i][/color] 

[color=1E90FF][i]“Don’t you start,”[/i][/color] Sjan-dehk warned. 

[color=228B22][i]“Start what, Captain?”[/i][/color] Iyen rested her chin on the backs of her hands and looked at him with an expression that managed to be simultaneously impish and innocent. [color=228B22][i]“I’m not starting a thing, not unless…”[/i][/color] She leaned in a little closer, gazing at him with eyes half-lidded, and from behind long lashes. Her voice dropped to a husky whisper. [color=228B22][i]“Not unless you, Captain, want me to.”[/i][/color] 

Sjan-dehk was unimpressed, and he picked up his hat and pushed it into Iyen’s face, covering it entirely with the circle of woven rattan. [color=1E90FF][i]“Enough,”[/i][/color]  he said flatly. Iyen laughed, taking the hat with both hands as she leaned back. She placed it atop her head, adjusting it slightly before looking expectantly at Sjan-dehk. [color=1E90FF][i]“Looks better on you than it does on me, I think.”[/i][/color] 

[color=228B22][i]“Really?”[/i][/color]  Iyen ran a finger along the brim. She glanced over the table. [color=228B22][i]“I don’t think we’re giving them a great impression of the Commonwealth, are we?”[/i][/color] 

[color=1E90FF][i]“No, we’re not.”[/i][/color] 

Iyen giggled. [color=228B22][i]“Well, I’d hate to give Lady Adiyan trouble, so I’ll stop for now, but…”[/i][/color] She gave him a wink and continued in a melodic voice, [color=228B22][i]“We can continue this later. Might even have a surprise for you.”[/i][/color] 

[color=1E90FF][i]“As if there’s any part of you that can still surprise me,”[/i][/color]  Sjan-dehk said with a dry chuckle. Then, he quickly turned to Kalliope before Iyen could reply. He tilted his head slightly to the Duke and the woman. [color=1E90FF][i]“So, is that normal for your people? Not that I’m judging. Great to see uh…Displays of affection between people, but I’m getting that some of you don’t like…Whatever they’re doing as much as I think you do.”[/i][/color] 

Kalliope’s head was beginning to pound from everything going on around her and anger was now beginning to bubble forth rather than frustration as she attempted to ignore Iyen now. She could see the game the woman was attempting to play and, had she been in a better mood, perhaps she would have continued playing it as well, but instead she decided to try and focus on calming her emotions.

When Sjan-dehk addressed her, she whipped her head over to look at him, unintentionally glaring at him. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening her mouth to speak. [color=#8D3B72][i]”Sorry, everything happening is proving to be a bit much for me currently and I’m trying to resist stabbing someone at this table…”[/i][/color] She began, subconsciously wringing the back of the chair as if she were wringing someone's neck. [color=#8D3B72][i]”But to answer your question, no. This is not normal behavior in the slightest. Morrigan is simply a bitch that likes to push people out of their comfort zones, likely to teach a lesson in this instance, and the Duke….well he’s a bit awkward and tries his best not to offend people, yet in doing so often makes things worse. Basically everything happening at this table is one major shit show.”[/i][/color] She finished explaining with a sigh as she turned to face back forward and rest her forehead on top of her hands.
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