[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/ONd4lpK.png[/img][/center]
[color=00F8FE]Time: 10am
Location: Drake’s Birthday Bash
Interactions: Cassius [@PapaOso], Drake [@Lava Alckon], Calbert & Gideon [@princess]
Mentions: Charlotte, Wulfric[/color][hr]

[color=9FA1A4]
Callum watched Lorenzo as he spoke; rather, he watched the warm pink glow that engulfed the Duke as he spoke about Charlotte. It was another illusion, but that didn’t make it fake; Lorenzo shone with a captivating confidence. Whether or not he was worthy of the title of Duke, was beyond Cal, but it was clear he was more than worthy of the title of father. So, as Lorenzo led his daughter to a table, Callum softly applauded the man. 

A wide grin spread across Cal’s face as Cassius addressed him merely as [i]stranger,[/i], not your highness, not prince, no pompous title. For a second, and it wouldn’t last more than a few seconds, Callum was just some guy getting invited to sit at a table. [color=00F8FE]“I’d love to join, but I’ve got a few more words left.”[/color] He said with a shrug, before turning to look at Calby. Callum cleared his throat, let go of the brief moment where he felt like just some stranger, and tried to look princely. 

[color=00F8FE][i]“Count[/i] Damien, I feel the need to remind you that a [i]Duke[/i] likewise deserves your respect. If you take issue with the conduct of a Duke, then bring your concerns to one of your betters for consideration. It is rude to do so publicly.”[/color] Callum addressed Calbert with a hand raised, signifying that he did not wish to listen to the Count. And why shouldn’t he? He was a Prince, it had its benefits, and smugly chastising Calbert Damien was even more fun than ordering knights to leave their shoes behind. 

[color=00F8FE]“Drake, Duke Edwards, my sincere apologies for adding to any discomfort at your lovely party.”[/color] He gave a standard polite smile before lifting his wine glass. [color=00F8FE]“To Lord Drake, the reason we’re all here to celebrate. Happy Birthday.”[/color] He said before taking a drink. Then Callum followed Cassius and the Vikena’s to a table. He glanced around for Wulfric as he walked. [color=00F8FE][i]Shit, did Wulfric miss this?[/i][/color] He needed his brother to see him making an effort.  

That was the new plan, how he was going to help Riona, Quack, and the Thornbreakers. He’d be more useful if his family trusted him and a better relationship with Wulfric was his best chance at that. Earn some trust, keep getting invited to secret meetings, and know the things they knew; there was no reason Callum shouldn’t be doing that. Other than he didn’t want to, and if he was going to stop holding back it couldn’t just be when he felt like doing things. 

It hadn’t gone well this morning, he’d have to fix that. Cal mentally added making an elixir with a relaxation charm to his to do list. He’d use every tool at his disposal to do better. 

But right now was a good chance to get to know Charlotte Vikena, whose eyes once glowed red, who once brought a dark, dreadful, energy, as she threatened Edin and Ana. [/color]