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[indent][sup][color=ab274f][b]Attire:[/b][/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/iiz4LB9.jpg]Party fit (one brooch only)[/url]
[color=ab274f][b]Date and Time:[/b][/color] Sola 25th, Morning
[color=ab274f][b]Location:[/b][/color] The Edwards estate
[color=ab274f][b]Mention(s):[/b][/color] Lorenzo, Charlotte, Cassius, Fritz, Zarai, Callum, Anastasia
[color=ab274f][b]Interaction(s):[/b][/color] [@princess] Duchess Edwards and co., [@Rodiak] Nahir, [@Helo] Rohit
[/sup][/indent][/cell][/row][/table]Wulfric petted Apollon one last time, bringing their heads together for the briefest of nuzzles. His coat was soft and smooth, his mane like the finest of silks. Warmth radiated from him, fueled by his body heat, and enhanced by the sun’s rays. The royal breathed in, the distinctive animal scent as familiar as it was comforting. [color=ab274f]“You will be in good hands here,”[/color] he murmured.

Finally, he stepped away, admiring the handsome colt. Apollon appeared as if he were suffused with a muted glow, like a field of wheat at high noon. It would be a joy to see him race as he was born and bred to do, and he hoped Drake could utilize him to his full potential.

The prince gave a nod in farewell, turned on his heel, and left the animal behind.

The moment he returned to the party proper, it became clear much had transpired in his absence. The guests were all atwitter, hushed whispers cavorting in the breeze. Wulfric went about the business of greeting the guests. [i]Coincidentally,[/i] that provided him with plenty of opportunity to listen in on the rumours.

“Oh, that [i]Duke Vikena![/i]” a lady fanned herself, scandalized, while her husband offered futile [i]now, now, dear[/i]s.

“He cannot go [i]one[/i] event without making a fool of himself,” exclaimed another.
 
“But [i]a bastard?[/i]” queried a gentlemen. “Is it [i]true?[/i]”

The group became more hushed, and a lord added cautiously, “It was…a surprise.”

[color=ab274f]“It was, was it not?”[/color] Wulfric pitched in just then, casual as you please. But that one phrase was enough to embolden the group. They clustered closely together as they continued their discussion.

“I never would have thought–”

“Well, even the esteemed count could have made a youthful mistake–”

“He [i]is[/i] taking responsibility…”

“What if he was [i]blackmailed[/i]?”

Of course, even the existence of a bastard wasn’t enough to blacken Count Damien’s reputation. But it created a dent, it rose doubt, it made people [i]question[/i] him, at least a little.

The prince moved to another group.

“Look at that [i]minx[/i],” hissed someone, glaring daggers at Lady Vikena, who was being held by the waist. The culprit none other than the infamous bastard. 

“Or is [i]he[/i] the rake?” chuckled another. “Ah, how I miss the virility of youth.” A few ladies grumbled at the coarse comment, while his fellows gave each other knowing glances.

[color=ab274f][i]Does he know whom his playing around will hurt?[/i][/color] The royal wondered. A rogue the likes of that incessant flirt was unlikely to care, he supposed.

Speculations run amok on the chances of elopement versus a broken heart. So preoccupied the crowds were with the blatant, they failed to witness a moment of subdued affection elsewhere.

Wulfric did not miss it.

Count Hendrix caressed Zarai’s cheek. A single touch, tender and sweet. Blink, and you miss it.

[color=ab274f][i]Just a friend, Zarai?[/i][/color] There was potential for more, he sensed, and decided he would keep an eye on them.

He traversed the gardens, learning a few other interesting tid-bits via made idle chatter. A helpful servant let him know Anastasia had brought in a [i]stray cat[/i] as one of Drake’s gifts. The lord had accepted, and the cat was already in professional hands. Meanwhile, Callum had added to the chaos Lorenzo had caused. He had irritated Count Damien, however, so Wulfric deemed it a positive.

Speaking of, the count was sitting with one of the hosts. The prince approached, gracious smile in place. [color=ab274f]“Good morning,”[/color] he gave a nod to the collective nobles. [color=ab274f]“Duchess Edwards, I greatly appreciate the obvious care with which you organized this event. The splendid arrangements, strategic placement, and delicate balance are all the hallmarks of your touch.”[/color] When she offered her hand, he grasped it gently, and kissed the air above her knuckles. He would have greeted the Duke as well, but he had gone to attend to his daughter. So, instead, he offered the words he would have to the man to his wife instead. [color=ab274f]“I am fortunate to count your son as my friend. You have raised him well, and I am heartened he is such a reliable man.”[/color]

Next, he turned to the Damiens. [color=ab274f]“A good morning to you as well, Count Damien, Countess Damien, Lady Crystal.”[/color]

He exchanged pleasantries, giving them time to bring anything to his attention if they so wished before he excused himself.

Wulfric strolled through the garden, making two stops before approaching his designated table. [color=ab274f]“Good morning, Shehzadi Nahir,”[/color] since it was not their first meeting, he bowed to her in the Caesonian fashion. The subtle crinkling in the corners of his eyes indicated genuine delight; he was glad to sit with her. There was a stranger present too. Intrigued, he turned to the new face. [color=ab274f]“Well met. I am Prince Wulfric Danrose.”[/color] He bowed to the man, as well.

Introductions over with, he sat down. [color=ab274f]“I ordered for this table an assortment of delicacies, so I invite you to join me for a sampling.”[/color] As he said so, a servant wheeled over an elegant glass cart which bore a selection of food and drinks. The dishes were distributed at their table. As a final touch, a bouquet of light pink magnolias and purple tulips was carefully placed into the empty vase. [color=ab274f]“A mere trifle, my lady, but I thought this might suit,”[/color] smiling, he caressed one of the petals gently. 

Nonchalantly, he then started on the hors d’oeuvres, enjoying the blend of tastes brought by altering between the seared scallops, devilled eggs, seasoned jerky, and stuffed mushrooms. [color=ab274f]“How has Sorian treated you two so far?”[/color] he inquired. Perhaps, the recent arrival would have little to say, but he was curious to hear Nahir’s opinion, if she were inclined to share it.[/color]