[color=lightgray][center][h3][color=Burlywood]Duke Gideon Edwards[/color], [color=F0E399]Duchess Victoria Edwards[/color], [color=00F8FE]Prince Callum Danrose[/color], [color=DDB775]King Edin Danrose[/color], [color=slateblue]Lady Ariella Edwards[/color],[color=greenyellow]Lord Drake Edwards[/color], [color=Bisque]Milo St. Claire[/color][/h3][/center]

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The Sorian Church at night had an almost eerie atmosphere. The vast, vaulted ceilings loomed high above, their dark expanses broken intermittently by the warm glow of torches that flanked the pews. The flames flickered gently, casting a dance of shadows that lit up the stern expression of King Edin, his figure cloaked in the same golden regal attire as earlier. He was situated by the front near a small group of his church staff and several guards. They were gathered not far from a large painting, its signs of defacement obvious to all who bestowed their gaze upon it.

The room was quiet but tense as the enormous doors swung open with a loud creak. Duke Gideon Edwards and Duchess Victoria, perhaps overdressed as always, walked hurriedly into the room. Duke Gideon wore a dark velvet coat embroidered with intricate gold thread that caught the light with every step. His cravat was a rich, creamy white, fastened with a brooch that bore the Edwards family crest. Completing his look were polished black boots.

Duchess Victoria was equally striking. Her gown was made of deep emerald silk that flowed elegantly to the floor. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, with curls cascading around her shoulders. She carried a matching silk fan.

Gideon maintained his dignified aura as he came to stand before the King. His wife Victoria wore an expression that mixed resolve with a hint of defiance. He spoke in a clear voice that broke the silence. [color=Burlywood]“Your Majesty,”[/color] he began, his tone infused with respectful firmness, [color=Burlywood]“it is both our honor and duty to stand before you this evening.”[/color] Meanwhile, Victoria simply gave a stiff curtsy. She looked like she most obviously wanted to be anywhere else.

King Edin stared down at them without even a twitch in his demeanor. [color=DDB775] “I trust you’ve brought your daughter as instructed?”[/color]

As the king addressed the Duchess and Duke, the doors of the church opened again, echoing another loud creak through the building. Through the large doors came a squirming Ariella, being held up by two large guards who had firm grips around her arms as Ari’s feet dangled above the ground, kicking with frustration. [color=slateblue]”Let. Me. Down!”[/color] she repeated for what felt like the 100th time.

Ariella was so focused on them she didn’t even notice her parents or the king. The heavy doors creaked open for a third time. Two guards entered, Callum followed, and two more guards trailed the prince by a handful of steps. They led him towards the king, walking in the same methodical manner as they had from the palace; two guards behind him, one at each side, their steps in sync, and their attention never deviating from him. The guards said little, despite Cal’s unending questioning, the only information he got from them was ‘His Majesty requires your presence’. [color=00F8FE][i]Why the church of all places? Cause I didn’t go this morning? Bit much even for Edin.[/i][/color]

But it wasn’t just Edin there, and as Callum looked around at the other familiar faces, [color=00F8FE]“Is this about the shoe thing?”[/color] he asked. That sounded even more ridiculous than being in trouble for skipping church. He rolled his eyes the second he caught Duchess Victoria’s attention. [color=00F8FE]“Hey! Let Ari go!”[/color] He barked an order at the other set of guards, but his own guards blocked Cal from moving any closer.

Through the much less creaky side door, Drake too had arrived at the behest of a messenger sent by his father. “Your sister seems to be in trouble with the King.” was all the notion he was given. So he arrived with a certain decorum in mind. He opened the door only as much as necessary and closed it behind him. Each pace was measured - as was his expression. He remained stoic - not letting his emotions drive him at a crucial moment.

Once he met the others in the middle, he gave the King a bow. [color=greenyellow]”Always a pleasure to be in your presence, Your Majesty.”[/color] He turned only slightly so as not to show his back to King Edin and echoed the command given to the guards. [color=greenyellow]”If it suits His Majesty’s interests, I would prefer you two to unhand my sister. I shall watch over her.”[/color] He offered a silent nod to his parents and those present, not wanting to drag his introduction to the meeting any longer.

As Ariella was clumsily ushered in by the guards, King Edin's attention snapped to the spectacle, his irritation mounting visibly, especially as Callum entered. Edin's expression soured into a grimace at the foolish outburst. [color=DDB775] “Quiet down, Callum.”[/color] He snapped then looked at Drake, [color=DDB775] “Lord Drake…”[/color] His brows furrowed. [color=DDB775] “The guards are not to unhand Lady Ariella just yet.”[/color] The king's gaze then shifted to a square tub of paint prepared earlier by his order, a vivid royal blue that seemed almost as intense as his mood.

[color=DDB775] “Place her down in the paint. We shall make haste in our pursuit of the truth.”[/color] he commanded curtly to the guards holding Ariella. [color=DDB775] “Ariella, you will dip your foot in that paint and step beside the footprint already on the floor. We will see if they match... I do not want to hear any further comments until she steps in that paint.”[/color]

[color=Burlywood] “Your Majesty, having my daughter manhandled is entirely unnecessary.”[/color] Duke Gideon interjected as he rose from his seat.

Victoria hid her face behind her fan, [color=F0E399] “This is so humiliating…”[/color] She muttered.

Ariella looked around confused, unsure of why she was dragged, let alone her parents, the king, and Callum. She looked down at the blue paint that the guards hovered her over. Oh…

Her eyes glanced over at Callum as if to say a silent sorry as her foot went into the paint. The guard on her left then set her down, her foot printing perfectly next to the one left behind. Swiftly, the guard pulled her back.

[color=gray]“It is a match, your majesty,”[/color] the guard said, confirming with his own eyes. King Edin moved forward and gazed upon the footprint.

She grinned guiltily as the reminder of her drunken adventures crept back into her memory. [color=slateblue]“I'm not the most talented artist,”[/color] she said with a nervous laugh. A groan from the duchess followed her daughter’s words.

Callum stared at the two matching footprints, still completely confused about what was happening here. After a moment he simply began clapping. [color=00F8FE]“Excellent work. We have discovered that Lady Ariella has an average-sized foot with five toes. I’m sure no one else in all of Sorian could make such a claim.”[/color] He offered flippant praise to the guards who had dunked Ari’s foot in the paint.

Callum’s applause ended and he removed his shoes and socks, tossing them in the general direction of Duchess Victoria, and lifted his arms out. [color=00F8FE]“Alright, me next!”[/color] He said to the guards, expecting to be lifted up and dunked in the paint next.

Then he noticed the portrait, Edin with a pair of horns and a mustache, near the king. Callum couldn’t help himself, he immediately burst into laughter.

[color=DDB775] “It’s like he becomes a worse and worse person each and every day…”[/color] King Edin lamented audibly to himself.

Drake did his best to hide his internal gut reaction as his sister outright confessed to the crime. Strutting forward and taking a good look at the pair of footprints. [color=greenyellow]”There is no need to provide false confessions, Ariella. For what Callum says is true. And there is no way you could have done this….”[/color]

He paused for a moment. It was time to play his role as a politician as well as he trained all his life - and lie through his teeth. [color=greenyellow]”Because you were with me last night at Count Damien’s Masquerade.”[/color] He turned to his family and Callum. [color=greenyellow]”Before you say anything, Mother and Father, she was in an entirely different outfit than what you chose. And with her mask of choice - you would not have recognized her. But she asked me to hide it so that you two would not be disappointed. Sorry to reveal your secret, Ari, but I would rather you not be blamed for something you didn’t do.”[/color] He shot a glance at Callum as if to silently plead not to blow their cover. Then the Lord turned towards the King. [color=greenyellow]”As much of a tragedy as this is - could it not be possible an angry commoner made their way inside and played this simply awful prank?”[/color]

[color=DDB775] “Lord Drake, you patronize me, and you waste my time.”[/color] King Edin snapped immediately in turn. [color=DDB775] “Go look at the footprints for yourself. It is an exact match. The girl admits it. The story is simple here: Lady Ariella came into the church and defaced the painting.”[/color]

[color=F0E399] “Our family is much too caught up in our own affairs to waste time with such nonsense.”[/color] Duchess Victoria finally spoke up. She rose from her seat in the pews and fanned herself as she spoke with slight shrillness, [color=F0E399] “You heard my son: Ariella attended the masquerade. She simply could not have done it, and you see how Prince Callum laughs? How do you know it is not your son who is so often the culprit?”[/color]

[color=DDB775] “She admitted it, you [i]blasted[/i] woman.”[/color] The king’s tone was etched with venom as he rounded on the duchess, prompting Duke Gideon to step forward. He came to stand by Drake.

[color=Burlywood] “I am deeply disappointed.”[/color] Gideon announced to the group. [color=Burlywood] “Our daughter, despite her youth, has demonstrated commendable maturity and a sense of responsibility by admitting her transgression.”[/color] His gaze shifted to his son, a stern frown upon his face. [color=Burlywood] “The eyes of the Gods are upon us, my son, and to deceive our King in the face of such clear evidence is unworthy of a future Duke. It is imperative that we proceed with integrity. The Edwards family has upheld these principles for generations.”[/color]

The guards moved to set Ariella back on the ground with her foot still covered in blue paint. Looking at the two guards, she rocked nervously on her heels as they locked their arms with hers, ensuring she didn’t run off. Her attention turned back to her parents, her father was such a sweet man. She smiled softly as guilt ran over her for putting her father in this position; however, her brother lying on her behalf and her mother supporting his lies made her smile fade.

He was just like their mother. Worried about his position in life. Ari’s eyes fell over to Callum, they likely dragged him here assuming he had something to do with it. [color=slateblue]“Your Majesty, my brother and mother I'm afraid, have let their imaginations get ahold of them. Not to any fault of their own. I did indeed attend the Masquerade but snuck out without anyone noticing. I wanted to go visit my friend, your son [i]Prince[/i] Callum.”[/color] she struggled on the word prince knowing how Cal had felt about it. Straightening up she continued her story. [color=slateblue]“Both to my Mother and Brother's knowledge I went to that party. Instead, I went to a religious ceremony in the woods. I stole a bottle of my brother's whiskey and indulged a little too much. Your son, being the gentleman he was, offered to escort me home safely. He escorted me to a carriage and instructed the driver to take me home but I decided to go on a detour and get some fresh air. Clear my head before returning home. That is when I stumbled into the church and well… You know the rest. You see, your majesty, the fault is all mine.”[/color] She shrugged. [color=slateblue]“I don't think the painting did you any justice, your majesty. It was an insult to your great [b]visage.[/b]”[/color] She bit back a smile as she tried hard to stay serious. [color=slateblue]“I didn’t even think it was you at first glance, it lacked your charming personality.”[/color] She attempted to curtsy, [color=slateblue]“Your majesty.”[/color]

King Edin looked doubtful as he considered the idea of Callum being a gentleman. It didn’t seem possible to him at all. [color=DDB775]"Though I appreciate the admiration of my personality, I somehow doubt that a black mustache and demonic horns made it look more like me…”[/color] He leaned in and asked her with a glare, [color=DDB775]"Do you take me for a fool, Lady Edwards?”[/color]

[color=greenyellow]”Forgive me, all those present.”[/color] He paused for a moment, looking at his father. [color=greenyellow]”For trying to vouch for my family's honor until the bitter end. To think my sister innocent until proven guilty before the very justice of His Majesty. If I were brought before such unyielding and unmatched presence and prestige… I would confess crimes I didn’t commit too.”[/color] Drake straightened his cuffs and looked up to the King. [color=greenyellow]”But I will admit I was far too quick to judge - so I extend my apologies.”[/color]

[color=greenyellow]”With the confession now being twofold. I see His Majesty truly has quite the intellect and insight. I commend that of you, Your Grace.”[/color] He approached the matching footprints and noticed their rather similar match - as much as he’d love to follow Callum’s lead of any average-sized woman fitting these prints, it would do little to argue with King Edin. [color=greenyellow]”So a crime that was committed in earnest - not knowing it was your own visage. How does this fare with you, Your Grace?”[/color]

King Edin had nodded his approval, savoring Drake’s words like a fine wine. He had been about to commend the young Edwards when Callum spoke up.

[color=00F8FE]“Sounds like Ari did you a favor, [i]father.[/i]”[/color] Callum pointed out, making a show of taking a long look at the painting. [color=00F8FE]“Better that a crowd notice the vandalism than the deeply unflattering portrait someone made of you. Can’t fault her for not recognizing the man in the portrait when you were cruelly depicted like this.”[/color] Cal gestured at the painting. [color=00F8FE]“They’ve completely erased your strong jawline, given you such a patchy beard, and the eyes, all wrong, dulled and lacking any spark of the great mind that sits behind them.”[/color] The words tasted like bile as he spoke them but Callum kept up the act. He’d spin this any way he could to keep Ari out of trouble.

The sound of deliberate footsteps rang out as a man appeared from a side room. Every strand of his perfect, blonde hair was completely in its proper place, his ensemble was fashionable in every sense of the word, and his smile was absolutely immaculate as always. Milo had been waiting patiently in the wings for an admission of guilt, and despite one coming to light, he felt less than satisfied. His voice was calm but loud as he addressed the group upon his approach. [color=Bisque] “The irony is not lost on me, that confessions in a place such as this usually come from the volition of weary souls wishing to cleanse their sin.”[/color] He stated curiously, the shades over his eyes hiding whatever true feelings may be resting beneath. [color=Bisque]“However, we find ourselves here tonight in witness of a different kind of confession. Pardon the interruption, but I figured it was about time I introduced myself. My name is Milo St. Claire.”[/color]

As he arrived only a foot or two from the confessing Ariella, he pulled the shades from his face so the girl could look him in the eyes. [color=Bisque]“Ah, the culprit. Not the vagrant I had imagined in my mind’s eye, yet guilty all the same.”[/color] His words then shifted to the king though his eyes remained planted on Ari. [color=Bisque]“Your majesty, what was done to my masterpiece is bad enough…but for it to be called [i]unflattering[/i], for the insinuation to be that my work of art was unbecoming of your royal highness, or that in some way it was a blessing for the painting to be ruined…”[/color] Finally, his gaze shifted to Callum, then to Drake, then Ari’s parents, and finally to King Edin himself before he continued. [color=Bisque]“That is simply slanderous, and far worse an insult to me than any vandalism. What will you do now, Edin? How do you see fit to make this right?”[/color]

Callum only rolled his eyes, [color=00F8FE]“Art is…subjective, you should know that.”[/color] He only shrugged off Milo’s words. He still thought the painting looked better post-vandalism.

King Edin’s gaze flitted about the room, just as Milo’s had, and then set on Callum first and foremost, [color=DDB775]"Hold your tongue.” [/color] He cautioned angrily then looked to Milo. [color=DDB775]"Your painting was perfect, Mr. St. Claire. Thank you again for coming here tonight… I will select a suitable punishment now that the debate is settled.”[/color]

Duke Gideon cleared his throat and stepped forward, [color=Burlywood]"Your Majesty, may I respectfully submit that my daughter has demonstrated nothing but honesty and forthrightness throughout this ordeal. She has been extremely cooperative. Considering her noble heritage and the potential for youthful indiscretion, I propose a brief and minor punishment. Lady Ariella's intentions were never malevolent, and she will vow that this incident is an isolated lapse. As such, a measured, corrective response would allow her the grace to learn from this mistake without foreclosing her social prospects during this crucial courting season. I trust your wisdom will balance justice with mercy, upholding her dignity while affirming the principles we cherish in our esteemed nobility."[/color]

His wife chimed in with irritation in her tone, [color=F0E399]"And handle whatever punishment discreetly. The last thing our family needs is the social circles buzzing about Ariella as if she were some common criminal."[/color]

King Edin’s gaze sharpened, piercing through the dim light as he raised his chin dominantly. [color=DDB775] “...Very well. Lady Ariella Edwards, to grasp the gravity of your crime, you will spend this night confined within the castle dungeon. Ensure you are escorted discreetly by carriage and arrive precisely at ten. You shall be released at dawn. Consider this leniency not just a reflection of your high station but also my profound benevolence, tempered as well by my suspicion that my son may have something to do with your sudden change in character. Let this experience embitter you against a repeat of such folly."[/color] He paused, allowing his words to sink in as he stared intently at Ariella, ensuring his decree was fully understood. Duchess Victoria’s gasp of surprise filled the brief silence. His gaze did eventually slide to Milo. [color=DDB775] “Does this suit you as well, Mr. St Claire?”[/color]

[color=00F8FE]“Well, sounds like I’m not needed here? Right?”[/color] He asked, not addressing anyone but still unsure whether he was free to go or not.

Barely waiting for Callum to finish his off-handed little comment, Milo addressed their king. [color=Bisque] “Am I satisfied?”[/color] He asked calmly, so calmly in fact that it was almost odd. [color=Bisque] “My masterpiece is destroyed. A work of art that could have sold for a fortune greater than the Edwards bloodline could ever even fathom, was vandalized and ruined by this girl…and a single night in the royal dungeon is meant to be enough justice to satisfy me?”[/color]

Though his tone was almost kind in nature, the eyes of Mr. Sunshine did barely begin to show other emotions. [color=Bisque] “As a man who came from nothing, I do wonder how differently this conversation would have unfolded had the culprit not held the blue-blooded privilege of nobility that each of you in this room share. Oh, the way the mighty can fly where others would surely fall.”[/color]

He raised a gloved hand to his face as he stroked his chin in contemplation. Soon, a smile grew on his face with revelation. [color=Bisque] “I will accept these…pathetic…terms, but on one condition. Along with one measly little night in the dungeon, Ms. Edwards will be the subject of my next piece. I will paint her, and all of her shame, next to the wreckage she made of my art. This sin will be immortalized, but I will not publish it. Instead, it will remain in my private collection. These are my terms Edin.”[/color]

Drake had largely remained quiet during this exchange, not wanting to dig a hole deeper for his sister or upset any present. But something about the way Milo spoke…those words that were so boldly thrown at his family began to incite a drumming sensation within Drake. For a brief moment, his stoicism was replaced with the analytical gaze of a man who was beginning to detest just what he was looking at. The Lord, quick to realize his poker face fading, readied himself and softened his grip on the pew that had suddenly become fierce.

[color=greenyellow]”If I may interject,”[/color] Drake offered a pause for anyone to interrupt, and then continued. [color=greenyellow]”In one sentence you have both insulted my family, implying that we are worth less than a fortune in monetary value, and somehow implied we think ourselves better than you, the very person who apparently is the expert appraiser on a person's worth in society. I reject such notions, Sir Milo.”[/color] Drake flipped his coat out behind him as he walked away from the pew, arms crossed as he walked forward. [color=greenyellow]”I sincerely hope you do not think this way of all nobility. Because to look at His Majesty and say [i]to his face[/i] that his judgment is marred due to the faculty of how we were born is an incredibly ambitious claim of character, good sir. Are you saying His Majesty’s justice is not absolute? Not fair or just? Are you saying you could do better? All ludicrous statements, yet you seem to carry the air of someone who believes just that.[/color]

The Lord pointed his thumb inward, pressing onto his chest. [color=greenyellow]”While of noble blood, to imply that I personally have not labored away every painstaking day of my life to better help the future of my family and country is a notion I will not even remotely entertain. Much less let others procreate with their own preconceptions. I do not wish to wear a brand of shame simply because of the family I was born into. I would not do this to you, Sir Milo, so I ask you not to do the same to those present. Thank you.”[/color]

Drake stopped, his arms moving from underneath their crossed demeanor to gesture as he continued. [color=greenyellow]”And to top it all off, you wish to immortalize the embarrassment and regret that is felt by all of us into your next masterpiece.”[/color] Drake inhaled at the end of his sentence. [color=greenyellow]”Initially I had felt bad, and was going to offer you some form of reparations for your own art being sullied in such a way. But if this is the way you carry yourself - I think you should take the King’s punishment at face value and accept his gracious gift of mercy and benevolence like the rest of us, without the need for furthering the cycle of misery onto others.”[/color] Drake finished his tirade and simply met eyes with the man. His gaze contained little emotion to share, for his words had done all the talking for him.

Milo’s eyes never left the King as the Edwards boy vented his frustration, though the outburst did allow him to gather his faculties fully once more. As Drake finished expressing his feelings on the matter, Mr. St. Claire simply repeated his final statement as calmly as humanly possible.

[color=Bisque] “These are my terms.”[/color]

[color=DDB775]“Your son is most impressive, Duke Edwards.”[/color] King Edin stated, mostly enjoying the fact that Drake had been defending the king in particular. However, before he could comment further, Ariella spoke up.

[color=slateblue]“Well, I refuse your terms,”[/color] Ari stated rather pointedly. [color=slateblue]“I am not going to have my likeness depicted by your rather awful artistic eye, when after a bottle of whiskey and a bucket of blue paint I clearly improved on what you consider to be a masterpiece.”[/color] She pulled free her arms from the grip of the guards, giving them a dirty look as she rubbed the sting of their grip from them. Turning her attention back to the matter at hand, she addressed the king next. [color=slateblue]“Your Majesty, I will accept your punishment since I disrupted your event. However, having my likeness painted and kept in some strange man’s collection seems like a violation, and I refuse.”[/color]

[color=DDB775]“Oh, since you detest the idea, we are definitely going to go ahead and add that to your punishment.”[/color] King Edin said coldly toward the girl. He smiled at everyone as he concluded, [color=DDB775] “In addition to the night in the dungeon, Milo St.Claire has my permission to paint her with her father present in the room. The painting will be stored privately unless Ariella repeats the offense, in which case I give Milo permission to release the painting. Arrangements for the when and where will be negotiated between Milo, Lady Edwards, and Duke Edwards… Now all of you leave my sight. I have grown weary of this.”[/color] Without letting anyone else chime in, the king left through the back door.

Ari watched as the guards that once held her up left with the king, leaving just her, her family, Milo, and Callum. Sighing heavily, she looked over at Callum, briefly remembering the text from the spell she had performed earlier. Maybe this was her punishment.

[color=slateblue]”Well, I guess I’ll see everyone tomorrow,”[/color] Ari laughed nervously as she addressed her family, acting as if it was no big deal.[/color]