[center][img] https://i.imgur.com/rAa2bpv.png[/img] [/center]
[color=firebrick]Time:[/color] Nighttime Sola 28th
[color=firebrick]Location:[/color] Dinner event 
[color=firebrick] Interaction: [/color] Roman [@ReusableSword] Alexander [@FunnyGuy] Mina [@Tae] Wulfric [@SilverPaw] 
[color=firebrick] Mentions:[/color]

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It had been some time since she last saw him—since that morning at the garden party, the morning everything had changed. So much had changed since then. She had changed. The memory of that day felt distant now.


[color=firebrick]“Good evening, Your Royal Highness,”[/color] she added with a graceful incline of her head, her voice touched with practiced ease. [color=firebrick]“The seating arrangement is quite comfortable.”[/color] Gratitude colored her words, but her expression—carefully composed—couldn’t entirely conceal the flicker of uncertainty that lingered in her eyes.


[color=firebrick]“It is true, Your Royal Highness—I’ve taken on the role of Mr. Deacon’s assistant.”[/color] She offered a delicate shrug, her tone light. [color=firebrick]“I’ve never been one for idle hands, and I thought it an opportunity to learn something worthwhile. I’ll admit, I was rather surprised to hear the news had already reached you. I’ve yet to share it with my own family.”[/color] [color=firebrick]“Perhaps we could speak more of it over a glass of wine? I would hate to take up your time with such ordinary matters when I’m sure there are countless others vying for your attention tonight.”[/color]

Her smile lingered before she respectfully excused herself, moving towards her seat.


As she settled, her gaze was drawn across the room—her red eyes catching the figure of Roman as he stepped into the dining hall. Her breath hitched subtly. The sight of him, dressed in a perfectly tailored ensemble embellished with the signature ravens on his shoulders. She saw, for a heartbeat, the man on the docks but the way he handled himself made her see someone else here. This version of himself was confident and commanding of attention. She couldn’t figure out if this version was the true Roman or if was it the one he showed her in private. Or perhaps it was neither.


Violet watched in silence, noting how the nobility turned their heads as he passed, whispering among themselves—judging, envying, admiring. She couldn’t help but wonder what stories they spun about him behind their fans and glasses of champagne.
When he approached the table, her lips curled into a soft, sincere smile.


[color=firebrick]“Roman,”[/color] she said with a nod, his name a quiet comfort on her tongue. Her gaze flickered briefly to Alexander, catching the subtle tension in Roman’s posture. [color=firebrick]“You look very handsome this evening. I particularly admire the adornments on your shoulders—they suit you.”[/color]


Her words were genuine, but they barely veiled the storm brewing behind her eyes.
Her attention wavered as Miss Mina, ever radiant, approached the table with an effortless grace that made Violet sit a touch straighter in her chair. Her heart faltered when she saw the redhead lean down to brush a kiss to Roman’s cheek.


Violet looked away too quickly, pretending to smooth the napkin in her lap, the fabric suddenly too fine, too irritating beneath her fingers. A blush rose unbidden to her cheeks, and a small, almost inaudible sigh slipped past her lips as the dull weight of disappointment settled in her chest.


She had noticed it before—at the gallery—the way Roman’s gaze lingered just a bit too long on Mina. The realization stung more than it should have. How could she blame him? Mina was beauty incarnate, her laughter warm and unburdened. And Violet? Violet was pale and sharp and shrouded in the scent of death.


[color=firebrick]“Yes, quite harmless,”[/color] she agreed smoothly, her tone light with a practiced lilt, [color=firebrick]“And thank you for the compliment.”[/color] She turned to Alexander, her lips curving into a gentle smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.[color=firebrick]“You look rather dashing yourself this evening—but then again, when do you ever not?”[/color]


Her voice carried the warmth of polite charm, but behind her words, the flicker of something more.


Then Mina spoke, her voice light and teasing as she addressed Alexander, mentioning their charming little escapade at the carnival. The words were casual, but they landed heavy, drawing Violet’s attention with a pang of curiosity.


Without a word, Violet reached for her wine, wrapping her fingers tightly around the delicate stem of the glass. She brought it to her lips and took a long drink, letting the rich flavor wash over her tongue and dull the ache in her chest.


Her eyes darkened to a deep scarlet hue, the color of old blood.


Scarlett stirred beneath the surface sensing Violet’s unease and stepping in like a hand catching a falling glass. Before Violet could spiral into the familiar pit of self-pity and doubt, Scarlett rose. Poised. Smiling. Guarded.


[color=firebrick]” Pleasure is all mine Lady Blackwood and [i]Roman[/i] as well it seems.[/color] Her dark eyes glanced over at the blushing man while he continued to enjoy his meal before returning to Mina with a smile. [color=firebrick]” My evening has seemingly only just begun, thank goodness for the wine.” [/color] She finished her glass before setting it down. [color=firebrick] “I hope yours is going well as well. [/color] 


Violet’s thoughts scattered as soon as she heard her name—spoken in that familiar cadence that always seemed to stir something deep within her. Her gaze shifted, and there he was—Roman—meeting her eyes with a smile that felt both effortless and disarming.

His words were kind, carefully chosen, yet her mind remained tangled in the echoes of doubt and uncertainty. The flutter in her chest stirred again, deeper this time, blooming like a bruise beneath the surface. For a fleeting second, she felt herself beginning to fall into it.


But Scarlett was quicker.


The darker thread of her stepped forward, anchoring Violet in place with silent command. Now is not the time, she warned from within, pulling her back from the precipice. The emotions could be unraveled later. For now, composure was key.


[color=firebrick]“Thank you, Lord Ravenwood,”[/color] Violet replied with a poised smile, the confidence in her voice smooth and deliberate. [color=firebrick]“Very kind of you to say. I hope your night is an enjoyable one as well, you seemed to have caused quite the stir walking in this evening. ”[/color] She met his gaze with cool elegance, her features soft but unreadable. [/color]