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[color=gray][color=0072bc]Location:[/color] Castle Dining Hall
[color=teal]Time:[/color] Evening
[color=0072bc]Mention:[/color] [@PapaOso] Cassius, Milo [@Tpartywithzombi] Violet [/color]

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[color=gold]“Presenting the Lord of House Damien and Earl of Montauppe, Count Calbert Damien… His wife, the Countess Liliane Damien… their daughter, the Lady Crystal Damien… and the good Count’s son, Lord Cassius Damien.”[/color]

The herald’s voice rang clear through the grand ballroom, silencing conversations as all eyes turned to the great doors.

Count Calbert Damien stepped forward first, his silhouette striking beneath the golden glow of chandelier light. His coat, deep navy with subtle silver embroidery at the cuffs and collar, was cut to perfection, his posture as straight as the blade of a well-honed sword. In one gloved hand, he held a dark cane tipped in silver, and in the other, the gentle arm of his wife.

His expression was warm, dignified, and just the right amount of humble charm woven seamlessly with his every step. His eyes swept the room as if taking the measure of it with quiet confidence.

He stopped before the thrones and dipped into a flawless bow.

[color=4C93C2]“Your Majesties,”[/color] Calbert began, his voice rich, composed, and carrying through the room with quiet dignity. [color=4C93C2]“It is always an honor for House Damien to stand before the esteemed rulers of Caesonia. You have our enduring loyalty and unending support.”[/color]

As he rose, he offered King Edin a knowing smile—not smug, but bold, the kind a man gave only when he knew his worth in a room.

Countess Liliane Damien stepped forward beside him, her shimmering white gown catching the light like frost at dawn. The gown hugged her delicately, pearls adorning the sleeves and neckline in a way that whispered purity rather than flaunted wealth. She bowed gracefully her hands clasped sweetly in front of her, and her golden curls tucked into a soft, elegant chignon.

[color=teal]“Your Majesties,”[/color] she said gently, her voice soft and sweet like spring honey, [color=teal]“It is a gift to be in your company tonight. May your reign continue to bless this kingdom with peace and strength.”[/color]

There was a sincerity in her eyes, and her deference—so perfect, so practiced—only added to the impression that House Damien was, indeed, a loyal and well-bred family. She was exactly what the court expected a countess to be: lovely, composed, and devoted to her husband’s station.

Crystal followed, offering a curtsy as delicate as she was pale. She said nothing, letting her silence be read as graceful reserve.

And then, of course, Cassius. He bowed slightly, just enough, and offered nothing more than a passing glance to the king. There was power in that too—measured indifference. A man not raised by court, but one who could stand among them without flinching.

King Edin studied them with a scrutinizing eye, but his lips quirked at the corners as Calbert spoke again.

[color=4C93C2]“If there is anything my house may offer to serve the crown during these difficult times, I hope Your Majesty knows he need only ask.”[/color]

The king gave a slight nod. [color=DDB775]“We are pleased by your presence, Count Damien. As always, your conduct reflects well on your house.”[/color]

A subtle victory, but a victory all the same.

As they stepped toward their seats, Liliane leaned into her husband’s side ever so slightly, speaking in a gentle whisper.

[color=teal]“You’ve charmed him yet again.”[/color]

[color=4C93C2]“Of course I have,”[/color] Calbert murmured smoothly, offering a gallant smile as he nodded politely at a passing duke. [color=4C93C2]“We don’t come to banquets merely to dine, my dear. We come to remind the realm who still moves the board.”[/color]

He reached to lift her hand gently to his lips, pressing a kiss to her gloved knuckles.

[color=4C93C2]“Shall we?”[/color]

Liliane smiled up at him like a blushing bride, and the two glided further into the ballroom—leaving behind the echo of a perfect entrance. He led his beloved wife gracefully toward the banquet tables, greeting each noble he passed with effortless charm.

Calbert’s gaze discreetly followed Cassius as he moved across the banquet hall, taking careful note of his son’s intense focus on a singular figure—Charlotte Vikena. His jaw tightened imperceptibly, the subtle signs of tension etched into his carefully controlled expression.

Liliane gently squeezed his arm, leaning close enough that her voice reached only his ears. Her tone was soft, soothing even, as if attempting to ease a wound before it could fully form.

[color=teal]“You know, my love,”[/color] she whispered gently, eyes lingering briefly on Cassius, [color=teal]“it might be a rather clever match, strategically speaking. Imagine Cassius as the Duke of Veirmont.”[/color]

Calbert exhaled slowly, still watching his son. He placed his hand reassuringly over Liliane’s, his tone quiet yet firm. [color=4C93C2]“Perhaps it would be strategic, Lily,”[/color] he acknowledged softly. [color=4C93C2]“But above all else, I value our children’s safety.”[/color] His voice lowered further, filled with a quiet intensity. [color=4C93C2]“And right now, Charlotte Vikena is a risk I cannot afford to trust.”[/color]

Liliane tilted her head slightly in understanding, gently brushing her thumb over his knuckles. [color=teal]“I trust your judgment, Calbert,”[/color] she murmured reassuringly. [color=teal]“I always have.”[/color]

Liliane nodded softly, recognizing the sincerity in her husband’s words. A moment of quiet passed before she gently changed the subject, her tone cautious. [color=teal]“Speaking of concerns… Have you heard from Violet? Did she confirm where she’d be this evening?”[/color]

Calbert’s expression subtly tightened, though his composed exterior never faltered. He straightened his shoulders, voice low but reassuring. [color=4C93C2]“She will be arriving shortly.”[/color]

It was then Milo St. Claire entered the room.

Calbert watched the introduction unfold, his piercing gaze settling thoughtfully upon Milo St. Claire. Though his expression remained pleasantly composed, something keenly analytical flickered within his eyes.

[color=4C93C2]Intriguing,[/color] he mused inwardly, fingertips gently brushing his chin as he considered the newcomer. Calbert knew power came in many forms, and this artist—Mr. Sunshine, as some called him—wielded it effortlessly through presence alone. He took note of Milo's subtle, almost intimate regard toward Queen Alibeth, filing it neatly away for future contemplation.

Beside him, Liliane softly sighed, eyes bright with admiration. She leaned slightly toward her husband, voice barely above a whisper.

[color=teal]“Oh, how marvelous he seems. Such grace in every step. Do you suppose his paintings truly capture the soul as they say?”[/color]

Calbert’s lips curled into a faint, indulgent smile, never breaking his gaze from Milo.

[color=4C93C2]“Indeed, my dear,”[/color] he murmured, gently squeezing her hand. [color=4C93C2]“But remember, my Lily, artists—like their art—are often more complex beneath their beautiful surfaces. I would be most curious to see precisely whose soul Master St. Claire intends to paint next.”[/color]



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