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[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3EdPgr4.png[/img][/center]
[Color=salmon][b]Time:[/b][/color] Morning
[Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] Edward's Estate
[Color=salmon][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] [@princess] Cassius and Charlotte
[Color=salmon][b]Mention:[/b][/color] Leo, Kazumin,

As Charlotte led Lorenzo to their table, he remained quite put together on the surface but the man was slightly panicked inside. Although he was initially glad to have stood up to Calbert, a part of him was deeply terrified of the count. It had been a long time since Calbert mentioned his knowledge regarding the night of Emina’s death, but Lorenzo would be foolish to think that knowledge couldn’t be used to wring him like a wet rag and see him discarded. Even if proof was lacking, Calbert was in the good graces of King Danrose unlike himself and Lorenzo was aware there had been rumors spread about him murdering Countess Emina Vikena leading to his and Charlotte’s year-long absence from public events. 

[color=salmon][i]I must be more careful.[/i][/color] His brows furrowed only slightly from his thoughts only to furrow greatly upon spotting a hand firmly on Charlotte’s waist. With his eyes now landing on Cassius and that devilish charm that seemed to be affixed to his face, Lorenzo wondered if he had been holding his daughter in such a way since the three of them had set out toward the table. Confusion and anger suddenly became acquainted in his very being but making yet another scene would have been a terrible gamble. He had just walked away from an incident unscathed after all. Despite his reluctance, Lorenzo knew he had to do something. Protecting Charlotte was one of the few things left for him to live for, and no matter how she might feel, Lorenzo could not remain idly by and allow his daughter to continue picking up strays…

Keeping his head forward, Lorenzo continued to the table, distracting himself by granting a few familiar faces a nod and a warm smile. However, his mind raced uncontrollably. [color=salmon][i]And why does it have to be [b]his[/b] son? Of all people… I mean, where in gods is Sir Smithwood? I was sure he and Lottie would match splendidly… Two mothers-in-law would be a difficult thing to deal with but… gods. Maybe the strange boy who slept in the basement? Eh… Gilbert did not have good things to say about him... An Alidasht is out of the question. They’d gift Lottie with a pet bear and murder me as their way of giving their dowry. Ughhh.[/i][/color]

Lorenzo took his seat, his expression now worn and unexcited. [color=salmon][i]I have to protect her… but I can’t be like Emina.[/i][/color] He let out a light sigh, making peace with that thought just as Charlotte left the table to greet the guests at the table beside theirs. With a single nod, Lorenzo mentally decided it was time to confront Cassius Damien. 

[color=salmon]“Ehem!”[/color] Lorenzo scooted his chair as close as he could toward Cassius until his chair bumped up against Charlotte’s vacant seat. [color=salmon]“Cassius, a word? I must request that you not hold Charlotte in such a way in public. I- I understand what it means to be a young handsome lad, trust me, but my daughter... My Lottie, is not a hors d'oeuvre to fancy for a fleeting moment.”[/color] Lorenzo wasn’t quite comfortable with this topic to make eye contact, but he persisted regardless knowing his daughter’s honor was on the line. [color=salmon]She’s far more than that. Far more. And I suggest- No. You [b]must[/b] treat her as such.”[/color] Lorenzo swallowed hard before his eyes stared right into Cassius’ with not the face of the foolish inept Duke of Vermillion. [color=salmon]“Treat her with dignity and respect or I fear I may have to treat you like someone who deserves not an ounce of it.”[/color] His visage was that of a father who could do whatever was required to protect his daughter. 

Then something unnatural gripped Lorenzo. His right hand closed into a fist as the same anger that burned so fiercely on the night he snapped at Charlotte began to surface. As if to tear away any sense of civility he desired in the brief exchange. 

[color=#cf402d][b]“Don’t fuck with my family, Damien. I will not warn you a second time, child,”[/b][/color] Lorenzo threatened before his expression softened again as Charlotte made her way back to the table. Scooting his chair back to its place, Lorenzo smiled warmly with his task of confronting Cassius accomplished.

[color=salmon]“Now that Lottie is back, let’s enjoy this birthday celebration. I think we should start with some spirits to loosen up some! Any suggestions? A shot and an informal toast perhaps?”[/color] Lorenzo inquired as if he hadn’t just threatened someone only seconds ago.



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