[color=lightgray][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/YGxzxVR.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/YJB0hdq.png[/img][/center]
[color=D0B4EC]Time:[/color]10am
[color=D0B4EC]Location:[/color] Edwards Estate - Drake's Party
[color=D0B4EC]Attire:[/color] [url=https://i.ibb.co/kyG8ft9/A2-D2-A381-EFF4-4-AF1-99-DB-F4-EDCC799663.webp[/url]Dress[/url], [url=i.imgur.com/2SBcciZ.png]Amulet[/url]
[color=D0B4EC]Interaction:[/color] [@PapaOso] Cassius [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo [@Helo] Callum [@Potter] Olivia [@Rodiak] Zarai [@JJ Doe] Fritz [@Lava Alckon] Farim/Drake
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[color=lightgray][color=00F8FE]”CASSIUS VAEL, THE DAMIEN BASTARD?”[/color]

Charlotte’s hand had flown to her mouth to stifle the laugh that bubbled up. However, by the time he had completed speaking to Cassius, she had taken ahold of herself. She smiled at the youngest prince and greeted him, [color=D0B4EC] "Good morning, Prince Callum."[/color]

The tension in the air quickly became suffocating as the conversation continued but when Calbert rose from his chair, he had made things a little worse as he always did. Her hands trembled slightly as she kept a steady grip on Lorenzo’s arm. But as Calbert's remark about her being an orphan came forth, Charlotte's expression darkened briefly.

[color=D0B4EC][i]Yes let's remind the girl who just lost her mother and the man who just lost his wife about such scenario as much as possible, shall we, Calbert?[/i][/color]

It felt like an eternity away, yet like yesterday since her mother had been standing just beside them.

Emina had always insisted they attend each and every event when in Sorian. She could imagine her sharp gaze hovering over the two of them as the tall woman tucked every stray hair in place on their heads and chastised her and Lorenzo about giggling like children. Charlotte could practically feel it in that instant, the way her mother's gaze would shift over nook and cranny of her dress yet would never quite find her eyes.

The truth was that Calbert's words hadn't cut as deep as she thought they would. Though it had only been a year since her mother died, the woman who had died might as well have been a stranger to her. She had always been the ever-elegant and poised Duchess Emina Vikena, yet never did she ever seem like the sweet mother who had once littered her face with kisses. Still, Charlotte found herself missing both those women as the word [i]orphan[/i] sunk into the depths of her mind. 

However, her brain was set on a different track as Lorenzo spoke up.  As he had begun speaking, the grip on his arm tightened slightly as if that may prevent the possible trainwreck on its way. Fortunately, this time, he handled the situation rather maturely after all. She found a smile growing on her face and she relaxed. 

[color=D0B4EC]"Proud of you,"[/color] She leaned over and whispered. Charlotte had tugged at her father's arm gently, her feet moving as she began to lead Lorenzo to the table, but she stopped after a few mere steps as someone else joined the fray.

[color=greenyellow] ”My my, such colorful words and tense expressions around! Perhaps some space is needed between parties or even a drink or two to ease the nerves?” [/color]

Charlotte turned her attention as Lord Drake Edwards' voice reached her ears. She observed for a moment as he spoke to Cassius, hoping to greet him as well. That was when she felt an arm drape around her waist. Charlotte's brain seemed to momentarily short-circuit. The sudden closeness made her breath hitch in a way she hadn't quite anticipated. She dimly registered Cassius inviting him and Callum to sit with them at the table, though she was too busy malfunctioning to speak up as she may have wanted. But when Cassius smirked down at her and gave her waist a reassuring squeeze, her heart leapt, and her mind blanked entirely.

[color=lightsteelblue] “...What do you say, Lottie…shall we escape this circus for a moment and get back to the fun we’ve been having all morning?”[/color] 

[color=D0B4EC]"I— I, um..." [/color]she stammered, her usual grace seemingly deserting her as she stared at the ground with flushed cheeks, [color=D0B4EC]"Y-yes, let's..." [/color] 

Charlotte cleared her throat and straightened with a smile, averting her gaze to Drake and Callum rather hastily, [color=D0B4EC] "Happy birthday, Lord Drake. It would be wonderful if you and Callum joined us... I do hope you do not mind I threw in some sheet music I wrote into your gift. I thought the melody would rather suit your taste."[/color] 
 
She then glanced around the yard, sudden enthusiasm crossing her expression as she caught sight of a table consisting of Fritz, Olivia, Farim, Zarai, and the princess. An empty table was situated right next to theirs.  Without realizing it, Charlotte gave a little hop of excitement, tugging at Lorenzo’s arm as she started toward it, despite Cassius's arm still comfortably resting around her waist.  [color=D0B4EC] "This way!"[/color] 

As they approached the table, Charlotte waved warmly, her smile lighting up her features. [color=D0B4EC] "Hello, everyone!"[/color] she greeted cheerfully. Letting go of Lorenzo, she stepped behind Olivia and Zarai, wrapping her arms around them in a gentle hug. [color=D0B4EC] "It's so lovely to see you both again,"[/color] she said affectionately.

Her gaze drifted across the table, catching the eyes of the others, and her smile widened. [color=D0B4EC]"Good morning, Shehzade Farim, Count Fritz! And of course, you too, Princess,"[/color] she added with a friendly nod to Anastasia.

Turning back to Cassius, she excused herself with a gentle smile before moving to greet each of the men with a hug. When she reached Fritz, she leaned in slightly, her voice soft as she whispered in his ear, [color=D0B4EC]"I’ve invited Prince Wulfric and Lord Smithwood over tonight to discuss some matters. I’d love for you to join us, Fritz."[/color]  Though she had considered offering Anastasia a hug as well, the princess's energy gave her pause as it always had. Instead, she simply offered her a friendly smile, deciding to leave it at that for now.

Finally, Charlotte took her seat at the nearby table, offering a reassuring wave to the group. [color=D0B4EC]"I’ll be right here!"[/color] she chimed and gestured for those who had followed her to join her at the table.[/color]