[color=lightgray][center][h3][color=Burlywood]Duke Gideon Edwards[/color],[color=F0E399]Duchess Victoria Edwards[/color], [color=4C93C2]Count Calbert Damien[/color], and [color=teal]Countess Liliane Damien[/color][/h3][/center]

[color=Burlywood]Time:[/color] 10am
[color=F0E399]Location:[/color] Drake Edwards Birthday Party at the Edwards Estate Backyard
[color=4C93C2]Interaction:[/color][@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo [@Helo] Callum [@PapaOso] Cassius

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[color=Burlywood]“Ah, so this is the infamous younger Damien!”[/color] Duke Gideon exclaimed, his voice full of warmth and enthusiasm. [color=Burlywood]“Your father has been speaking highly of you, and I must say, I’ve been eagerly waiting to meet you.”[/color] He then turned his head back to Calbert with the kind of smile that could light up a room, before adding jovially, [color=Burlywood]“And look at that! A striking resemblance, indeed! You’ve certainly inherited your father’s good looks and presence.”[/color] Meanwhile, his wife Victoria’s eyes swept over him, her gaze moving slowly from his feet to his head, taking in every detail with a critical eye. Her lips pursed slightly, and there was a barely perceptible arch of her perfectly groomed eyebrow.

Finally, Victoria deigned to speak with just a hint of the cutting edge she was known for. [color=F0E399]“Still in shock that you have a son, Calbert,”[/color] she remarked, her voice dripping with veiled disdain. Her gaze remained fixed on Cassius, assessing him. [color=F0E399]“Fortunate enough to inherit your father’s looks, at the very least,”[/color] she added, the compliment so thinly veiled it barely concealed her true thoughts. Her eyes lingered on Cassius for a moment longer, as if weighing his worth in the balance of her judgment, before she finally turned her attention away.

Even before Calbert could properly greet his son, Lorenzo's voice rang out across the gathering, much to the horror of those within earshot. [color=salmon][b]“Count Calbert’s bastard?!”[/b][/color] The exclamation echoed, turning many nearby heads. 

Victoria’s eyes flared with anger, her patience suddenly snapping as she turned her full attention to Lorenzo as she hissed immediately, [color=F0E399]“[i]Duke Lorenzo Vikena[/i], must you make a spectacle at every gathering! This is my son’s birthday, not a stage for your theatrics!”[/color] She huffed as her gaze honed in on Charlotte with disdain as she made her way to her father’s side as she always did when he made a mess.

Gideon had initially looked over with brows lifted, his calm demeanor masking the concern growing within him. However, the moment his gaze shot back to Calbert, any semblance of ease faded. It was clear that Count Damien was not taking it well at all. Calbert's brows were furrowed deeply, and the look in his eyes was one of barely restrained violence. His protective instincts were flaring as his son was publicly labeled a "bastard" in front of the Duke and Duchess and the entire gathering. His normally controlled demeanor cracked, revealing the fierce father underneath who would go to any lengths to protect his children.

The duke sighed inwardly, recognizing the dangerous tension brewing between them. He knew he had to intervene before things escalated further.

[color=Burlywood]“Ah, Duke Vikena…”[/color] Gideon began as his eyes found Lorenzo’s once more, his tone smooth and a smile still on his face, [color=Burlywood]“I understand your surprise, but let’s be mindful of our words, especially in such esteemed company. This is, after all, a celebration of my son, Lord Drake, and we wouldn’t want to cast any shadows on this joyous occasion.”[/color]

Before anyone could respond further, Callum’s voice rang out loudly, [color=00F8FE]“CASSIUS VAEL, THE DAMIEN BASTARD?”[/color] matching the volume of Duke Lorenzo’s earlier exclamation. 

 [color=F0E399] “What an [i]absolute mutt[/i] that Prince Callum is!”[/color] Victoria lamented angrily to Countess Liliane, who simply seemed concerned.

Gideon’s gaze shifted back to Callum and he felt his face twitch. He allowed the Prince to speak before greeting him kindly, [color=Burlywood] “Hello Your Highness! It’s an honor to have you attending today.”[/color] His tone then took on an encouraging note as he addressed them all, [color=Burlywood]“Why don’t you all take a moment to sit at a table, as Charlotte suggested? The heat can be overwhelming, and I’d hate for anyone to feel uncomfortable. ”[/color] With a bit of uncharacteristic edge underlying his words, Gideon added, [color=Burlywood]“After all, Duke Vikena, it’s important to take proper care of those [i]who rely on us[/i], especially our young ladies.”[/color]

Victoria cast a withering look at Lorenzo, her voice dripping with icy contempt as she added, [color=F0E399]“Yes, perhaps some time seated will do you both good. We wouldn’t want any more… outbursts to mar the occasion.”[/color] She turned her attention back to the gathering, clearly eager to distance herself from the Vikenas as much as possible.
 
The soft sound of Calbert’s chair sliding back across the grass drew immediate attention. 

His wife, Liliane, sensing the storm brewing within him, gently placed a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him. But Calbert, his jaw set and eyes dark, subtly brushed her hand away as he rose to his full height. 

When he spoke, his voice was calm, yet it carried a seething undercurrent of fury that was impossible to miss. His gaze fixed on Duke Lorenzo with a look so piercing it could have frozen the man in his tracks. [color=4C93C2]“I would advise you to choose your words with more care in the future. To address my son—my blood—with such a term is not only a grave insult but also a testament to your own ignorance.”[/color]

He paused, allowing the silence to hang in the air. [color=4C93C2]“Cassius, regardless of the circumstances of his birth, is every bit a Damien as I am. He bears my blood, my name, and my respect. You will do well to remember that.”[/color]

Calbert’s gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing with a chilling intensity as they bore into Lorenzo. [color=4C93C2]“And let us not forget, Duke, that while you so freely label my son a ‘bastard,’ you have long played the role of father to an orphan girl who isn’t even your own flesh and blood. Yet, I don’t see you making that fact public at every opportunity. Perhaps, out of respect for her, you should refrain from using such terms when speaking of a man who carries my lineage.”[/color]

A tense silence followed. It was Victoria who finally shattered the quiet, her patience worn thin. She waited impatiently for a mere five seconds before blurting out, [color=F0E399]“Alright, that’s enough. You all can go sit [i]far away[/i] now… And Lorenzo, don’t make me have you dragged out. You know I’d do it.”[/color]

Given the intensity of Calbert’s reaction and the growing attention this confrontation was attracting, Gideon decided it was best to defuse the situation. [color=Burlywood]“I must insist as well, Lorenzo. After all, Lottie mentioned she wasn’t feeling well. Perhaps it’s best to find a seat and let this matter rest for now.”[/color] Putting back on the warm smile, he added enthusiastically, [color=Burlywood] “I do hope you all enjoy the party! I am so pleased you’re here!”[/color][/color]