[IC] 🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

[PapaOso]

WIP Started writing this before Milo was interacted with elsewhere. Apologies for breaking timeline. Will fix and repost later

[princess]

Duke Gideon Edwards & Duchess Victoria Edwards

Time: 6pm
Location: Castle Dining Hall
Inteactions: @TpartywithZombi Ariella @Lava Alckon Drake @Tae Thea @Helo Callum

---

As the herald’s voice rang clear—"Presenting Lady Violet Damien and Lady Ariella Edwards"—Duke Gideon turned his head immediately, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“There she is.” His voice was touched with unmistakable fondness as he watched his daughter enter the room. While most might see a scandal, he saw only his spirited, radiant girl.

Victoria, beside him, audibly gasped at her failure of a curtsy. Her fan snapped shut like a bolt of lightning.

“Dutchess Edwards, do you think yourself our betters? I noticed you did not bow, or curtsy, before your king and his family. Are you too proud to submit before His Majesty?”

Victoria narrowed her gaze at Callum, then forced a smile without kindness. She rose, presented a curtsy as she said through gritted teeth, "My apologies, Your Majesties."

As she lowered herself back into her seat, she glared daggers into Ariella, “And here she comes, sitting next to me, of course.”

“Yes. I also saw her come in glowing like the sun through the trees.” Gideon turned to Ariella and smiled at her,
“You look beautiful, little star,” he told her softly. “And quite honestly, I’m proud you didn’t fall. You had us all on the edge of our seats.”

Victoria took a sip of wine and muttered beneath her breath: “We’ll be speaking after dessert. And you will wish you had fallen.”

Gideon sighed and added kindly, “Welcome, my dear. I missed you.”

As the herald’s voice carried across the glittering banquet hall—“Introducing, the Lord of House Edwards…Sir Drake!”—both Gideon and Victoria turned in their seats.

Victoria let out a soft gasp as her gaze landed on her son, dressed in sleek black with the flourish of that orange rose on his chest.

“Orange?” she breathed, eyes narrowing like a hawk spotting a fluttering quail. “What is he wearing an orange flower for? He knows that clashes with the Edwards palette!” Her voice dipped into a near-hiss. “And where in the Gods’ name did he get those cufflinks? ”

Beside her, Gideon barely stifled a laugh and smiled proudly as Drake then held out a chair for Thea. “Amazing job with that greeting, son. I'm glad you're here."

His gaze then slid to Lady Thea and Lord Leo Smithwood, his expression lighting up with practiced charm and sincere warmth.

“And what a joy it is to see the esteemed heirs of House Smithwood tonight.” He rose slightly from his seat in polite acknowledgment, offering a gentleman’s bow toward Thea, then Leo. “Lady Thea, your grace is matched only by your reputation—I daresay we could all learn a thing or two from your sense of style.”

Turning to Leo, his smile widened into something more playfully respectful. “And Lord Leo, I’ve heard great things about you. What an honor to sit with you tonight.”

Just as Gideon leaned back in his chair, a flicker of black hair caught the corner of his eye. His gaze turned—and immediately softened.

There she was. Lady Charlotte Vikena.

He felt his heart ache for a moment, then he smiled at her kindly in greeting whilst Victoria grimaced and moved her seat back as if she might catch illness from the presence of a Vikena.

[Tae]

Time: Evening
Location: Banquet Hall
Interactions: @Helo Leo, @Lava Alckon Drake, @princess Charlotte & Duke Edwards
Mentions: @samreaper Kazu
Outfit: Dress, Hair, and Makeup

---

Thea was just about to pull out and settle into her seat when Leo arrived right behind her and leaned in with his remark about the feast. It gave her pause, and she smirked, plucking a grape from the nearest platter with the practiced ease of someone who had already indulged in a bit too much wine. “Indeed they have,” she mused, twirling the grape between her fingers before popping it into her mouth.

And then, her gaze landed on him.

Drake.

The shift in her chest was immediate—something light and startling all at once. He was dressed in sharp black, his polished look effortlessly refined, but it was the orange rose that struck her first. Her color. The realization sent an odd warmth through her, quick and unbidden.

She swallowed a little too fast, coughing lightly against her fist as he approached with that easy stride. By the time he reached her and pulled out her chair, she had just barely managed to recover…or so she thought.

Still, she hesitated, glancing up at him. “Matching me, Lord Edwards?” she teased, her voice coming out in an odd-sounding rasp to her. She attempted to cough and clear her throat again, a small blush creeping into her cheeks, before playfully continuing. “How bold.”

And then she saw the cufflinks.

Her breath caught for half a second. The stones gleamed under the light, the soft gold setting unmistakable. She reached out without thinking, brushing her fingertips lightly over the cool metal. “You wore them.” The words came softer than she intended, almost a gasp, as she felt her heart skip a beat. Slowly she looked up at him with an excited smile.

“They suit you,” she murmured and then caught her mother’s shocked, judgmental stare. She quickly realized she had all but grabbed his wrist and withdrew her hand, finally sitting down. “S-sorry.” she said as her face turned the color of the fashion trend of the night.

She watched Drake and Leo get acquainted for a moment, observing Leo’s ‘hurt my sister and I will throw you into the nearest body of water’ testing handshake, which only made her blush deeper. “We were just discussing the color trend of the night.” She tried changing the subject quickly.

Before she could steer the conversation any further, a new voice cut through the din of the hall. A voice that carried the weight of title and expectation. Her stomach clenched in nervousness as she realized it was Drake’s father, Duke Edwards.

Thea’s lips curled into an appreciative smile as she dipped her respectfully to him. “You flatter me, Your Grace,” she responded lightly, tilting her head as she held his gaze. “Though I do fear if I set any more trends, poor Leo might never recover.” She giggled while glancing at her brother impishly before actually turning to him to address him.

“To answer your question, dearest brother, it seems everyone has been set on fire in the name of fashion. A most noble sacrifice.” She glanced down at her own orange dress. “I was merely scorched.”

She then giggled before continuing. “Maybe you’re just starting the next trend. Green is the new red. You’re a visionary.” She tried to say it with a straight face but snorted instead. “Or a lost little leprechaun.”

She took a sip of wine, then leaned toward him slightly, a small smirk playing at her lips. “But really, I think you chose a complimentary color. See? You match that pretty lady with the very large fluffy puppy! Do you think she'll let me pet him?” She nodded toward Torvi and her dire wolf before looking between Leo and Drake as she asked the last question.

Leo’s attention shifted, and Thea could see him looking at something. It was a man in an incredibly colorful suit, and while she could see why Leo found it offensive to fashion, she didn’t entirely mind it. It was certainly… bold.

Thea hummed in mild amusement but shrugged. “At least he looks comfortable. Maybe he’s onto something.”

Before the conversation could continue, a familiar figure appeared beside them. Lottie approached with her usual grace, setting a small, ribbon-tied box before her.

Thea blinked.

A gift.

Charlotte’s voice was warm, and the soft touches to her shoulder and Leo’s arm felt genuine and nice. For a brief moment, Thea simply looked at the box, running her fingers over the ribbon. Then, she glanced up at Charlotte, her expression quieter than before as she gave her an adoring smile. “Thank you so much, Lottie!” she said happily, genuinely grateful as she pulled at the ribbon and began opening the present.

A gasp escaped her as she glanced into the box and saw the most beautiful hair clip she’d ever seen in her life. “Oh my goodness, it’s absolutely gorgeous!” she said excitedly as she pulled it out and then clipped it into her hair.

“How does it look?” she asked, looking at Charlotte, then Leo, and finally looking at Drake as her eyes lingered on him, grinning happily.

[ReusableSword]

Time: Evening
Location: Banquet
Interactions: Violet @Tpartywithzombi, Alexander @FunnyGuy, Mina @Tae
Mentions in order: The King @princess, Wulfric @SilverPaw
outfit: See Leo plenty of people wear green.

---

---

Roman, his mouth full of roasted pheasant, swallowed and chuckled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Lady Mina," he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin and a slight reddening on his cheeks from the unexpected kiss, "you flatter me." He spoke with a smile and a glance towards Violet. "And Alexander, I appreciate the offer, but I'm quite comfortable. Besides," he gestured with his fork, "I wouldn't want to disrupt the... delicate balance of the king's table." He gave a subtle, almost imperceptible glance towards the head of the table where the King and Queen sat, taking in for a moment the plates of food the king had already gone through. He had a lot of ground to make up if he was going to give the king a challenge.

"And what of you? You haven't even touched any of these delicacies the royal chefs prepared. I understand how nerve-wracking it must be for someone of your..." He trailed off in thought while idly restacking more delectable meats and veggies onto his plate. "...bloodline to be in this place, surrounded by so many nobles and royalty. Unless, you think you're too good for the king's generosity and food?" A quick jab with a smile, he would continue this ploy of seeing Alexander as beneath him and play this ridiculous mask he'd built for himself. All so he could keep his eyes and ears open for more information, usable or not.

He once again glanced at Violet with a smile, "Lady Violet, I must say you look stunning tonight. I do quite admire the choice of attire." He spoke with confidence and joy, drinking and eating merrily while continuing to devour the large plate of food before him. Roman may have been eating quickly, but he was still maintaining his manners as best he could. Still, the comment Wulfric made just a few moments before had not slipped his notice. In time, he would find out just how much the prince knew of their common enemy.

[princess]

Charlotte Flashback

FLASHBACK

1724

For a moment, Charlotte couldn’t help but think about how the grand dining hall hadn’t looked so different, even in back 1724.

It was alive with the clinking of crystal and the low hum of conversation. But to the young version of herself, it had felt like a magical world, a place where gold dripped from the chandeliers and the gowns sparkled like constellations.

Charlotte kicked her feet as she sat at the edge of the table, her small legs barely brushing the plush chair. She glanced around at the sea of unfamiliar faces, biting her lip with glee. The night felt special, like it belonged only to her.

Emina sat beside her. Her features were bathed in the soft glow of flickering candlelight, the warm hues contrasting beautifully with her dark hair. Despite the laughter and chatter of the nobles around them, there was a serene intimacy in the way she interacted with Charlotte, her gaze warm and affectionate. She looked every bit the picture of grace, her eyes holding a softness only visible in moments like these, moments when she was most at peace with the world.

But it was more than her beauty that caught Charlotte's eye. It was the way her mother’s gaze softened whenever she looked at her, the warmth in her touch as she ran a hand through Charlotte’s hair. For a fleeting moment, Charlotte felt cherished, as if she were the most important person in the world.

Her delicate smile seemed genuine as she had brushed hair from her daughter’s eyes tenderly, yet there was an underlying sadness in her eyes, an emotion that Charlotte, in her innocence, couldn’t quite understand at the time. “My little girl, “ She softly whispered, a sweet smile on the woman’s face.

But just as she allowed herself to indulge in that fleeting peace, the voice of King Edin cut through the air, resounding across the banquet hall, louder than all the others.

"Perhaps, Duchess Emina, you should have more children," the King said, his voice cold. “You’re not getting any younger, and certainly, you can’t possibly expect to rely on one girl alone to carry the family name, can you? It’s not the strength of daughters that ensures a legacy.”

Charlotte’s smile faltered. She felt a sudden, uncomfortable shift in the air, the warmth from her mother’s presence replaced by a prickling tension. Even at such a young age, she understood the weight of his words and the cruel edge behind them. Though this had all been so long ago, Charlotte could remember those words exactly, and nothing could erase them from her mind.
The memory was engraved in her like a scar.

Emina’s hand had stilled in Charlotte’s hair, faltering slowly as Walter left Gideon’s side, his footsteps growing heavy with anger. He had stormed toward Edin without hesitation, vocal in his defiance in front of everyone. His voice had been so loud, unwavering, and filled with a protective wrath for his family.

But as the memory seemed to press in from all sides, it suddenly shifted, dissolving like mist in the air. Another banquet. Just like this one. Only this time, Walter wasn’t there.

But Emina was.

Charlotte remembered how the view had changed—how, over time, she had grown tall enough to look people in the eye. No longer needing to peek over the top of the table to see the other guests. But the most jarring change had not been her own growth. It had been Emina.

The woman who had once looked at her with warmth, with tenderness, had now fixed her gaze forward, never once meeting Charlotte’s eyes. It was as though even the slightest glance in her direction would have brought some unbearable consequence.

Emina’s hand trembled ever so slightly as it rested on the table. It was the kind of tremor Charlotte had noticed but never truly understood. That subtle distance, that unspoken fear... It had been there, lurking in the quiet moments, in every conversation, every instruction.

It was the kind of thing that seemed insignificant at first, a fleeting thing to brush off, but over time it became undeniable. There was no grand moment, no single shift that she could pin down. But it was there, thick in the air between them—a wall that had slowly, imperceptibly risen.

Somewhere along the line, she had stopped being “momma’s little girl.” That was something Charlotte had not dared to think about since her mother’s death.

But now, in this room, as Cassius looked at her the way he did, there was no way to keep the memory from resurfacing. For her mother had stared at her the same way—as though Charlotte had already slipped through her fingers, as if the love they shared had been shadowed by the quiet grief of something that had been lost long before it ever truly had the chance to be.

[Potter]

Olivia

_Persephone

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Dining Room
Interactions: @princess Charlotte ♞ @samreaper Kazu ♞ @Helo Rohit ♞
Mentions: [@princes] Edin/Calbert/Lily ♞ @Helo Callum ♞ @Rodiak Zarai ♞ @PapaOso Cassius ♞ @Tpartywithzombi Violet
Aesthetic: ♞ Dress ♞ Hair ♞ Shoes

---

The abrupt movement of Charlotte placing the amulet around her neck caused Olivia to freeze. Why had Charlotte given the amulet to her? She admired it. Speechless, she quickly told herself to speak up. As she went to utter her gratitude and confusion, the Damien entourage entered the vicinity. Olivia studied their reactions. Calbert, poised as ever with his wife, entered and commanded attention. How did his wife stand him? Was she as much a snake as he was? Violet and Crystal looked beautiful; and then last but not least, Cassius. Tension filled the banquet room between Charlotte and Cassius.

There might as well have been a mountain between them. She furrowed her brows. What happened between them? She turned to check on Lottie, but she fluttered away like a butterfly. Olivia watched her friend disappear into the crowd and then reappear. She approached the Smithwoods. Lorenzo glanced at her with eyebrows raised; a silent question of “what?” but she shrugged. It was none of her business to share it; that would be a breach of Charlie’s trust and confidence.

Next her gaze turned to the entrance. She watched as Kazumin waltzed into the banquet. What was he wearing? Her eyes widened and she pursed her lips. His outfit would draw too much attention. In the background, she heard Prince Callum’s voice and then King Edin’s. Her cheeks flushed, and fury rose inside of her. How dare they talk about him like that! She wanted to approach them and say something, but how could she? Her gaze turned to Asteroth and a snarl nearly escaped her. Suppressed memories raced through her mind. She didn’t know who she wanted to smack first; the royals, Damien, or him. She shut her eyes and took several deep breaths.

Kazumin’s arrival beside her pulled her out of her reverie. Olivia smiled and looked at him. ”Why yes, this is a grand feast. So nicely created by our esteemed ruler,” her voice remained smooth. Underneath, a layer of sarcasm was itching to creep out. ”Thank you, sir Kazumin. You look lovely as well,” She blushed at the sunflowers and laughed gently. Sunflowers were indeed one of her favorites. At her farm, she had dozens of them planted.

Then, he pointed out her amulet and froze. The abruptness of nearly saying her full name out loud caused panic to spike. His recovery was smooth, though, and she let out a deep sigh. ”Oh no, it was Charlotte’s. She was kind enough to let me borrow it. How sweet is she?” She smiled at his compliment and quick pat, one she wished she could return. Acting too familiar again would only raise more suspicion.

Prior to eating, she glanced round the room and turned in her chair. The noise level of the room had gone up significantly. The room was crowded with all these nobles. She saw familiar and unfamiliar faces. Nobody she knew, other than a few. Her throat tightened and panic surged through her. How would she survive this night? She didn’t belong here… She wasn’t truly noble. All these people knew one another and could mingle so easily. It was like looking at the scene from outside the window. She might as well have been outside. A cold sense of anxiety washed over her and she began bouncing her leg.

Her gaze moved to the far corner. Most of the Alidasht were seated farther away. To her delight, she caught Rohit’s wave and returned it with a grin. Hopefully, she could talk to him later. Her chest briefly fluttered. There was a woman sitting beside Rohit she didn’t recognize and marveled at her beauty; Princess Anastasia, Hafiz, and then others she didn’t know. She turned back to her plate.

Olivia quickly began to scoop food onto her plate. It was her safety net, her comfort and source of distractions. She looked over with delight at the mac and cheese serving and scooped plenty of it onto her plate. Then, she took the roasted vegetables and placed them over her mac cheese. She noticed Zarai had arrived and made a mental note to greet her later. There was a tall blonde haired woman with a wolf chatting with her. A live wolf was here? Olivia watched with fascination. She waved to Zarai and then turned back to Kazumin.

”All this food, and people are staring back home,” Her voice was hardly audible above the noise. ”It’s insane.” Olivia shook her head and continued eating and took more food, though guilt filled her inside. Then, her voice rose to a reasonable level. ”How are you doing tonight, Sir Kazumin?”

[Potter]

Time: Evening
Location: Castle Dining Hall
Interactions: @princess Princess Anastasia/Hafiz ☁ @Helo Rohit ☁ [@Concord] Hala Sami ☁
Mentions: [@PaperBear Oso] Cassius ☁ @princess Charlotte ☁
Aesthetic: ☁ Hair ☁ Dress ☁ Shoes

---

The banquet scenery was a delight. So many faces and so many people to meet. Kira leaned back in her chair to observe. She watched as nobles entered and were announced. The Vikena house caused her to raise eyebrows. Olivia Vikena. Is that what she was going by now? What a joke. Her gaze lingered on Charlotte for a fleeting moment. Then, her gaze passed over Lorenzo quickly. What was wrong with him? She watched them take their seats and sipped wine from her glass. Then, a noteworthy arrival: the Damien’s. She straightened up in her seat and avoided eye contact with Calbert. She passed over the females. Her gaze lingered now on Cassius. Kira was careful to make it overtly obvious and kept glancing near him instead. His subtle tension and the noticeable grief in his eyes as his gaze met Charlotte’s. Was there a quarrel between them? She would need to investigate that further. Kira finally looked away after observing what she needed.

The voices of those seated around her pulled her attention. She smiled at the Grand Vizier and listened attentively. A light laugh and a casual smile greeted him in return. ”I'm glad the evening finds you well,” she bowed her head respectfully. When his gaze met her’s, she matched his intensity. ”I am. Very different from the great sands of Alidasht. It’s amusing here, isn’t it? I am satisfied, yes,” She laughed and sipped more of her wine.

Princess Anastasia’s voice and energy was contagious. Her gaze shifted to the Princess now, and she grinned. ”Why hello!” she greeted. ”Thank you, Princess! I am honored to be in your company. Please, your dignity and beauty is as radiant as ever, Princess.” Kira tossed her head over her shoulder dramatically. ”I will be your entertainment for the night, Princes. Call upon me for whatever it is you need,” Kira winked at her playfully and borderline flirtatiously. Kira giggled genuinely and leaned over. ”You don’t have to ask me twice. Bestie energy for life.”

Now, the man across from her spoke, so Kira turned her attention to him. She smiled and leaned back. The man introduced himself as Rohit and damn was he gorgeous to look at. The company around her was delightful. This would turn out to be a great night. ”Kira Lockhart, a pleasure to meet you.” She dipped her head respectfully to him as well. She noticed Hala Sami leave and kept her focus on the group around her. The amount of attention he gave her was what she reflected back.

”The Alidasht corner is over here, isn’t it? You lucky Danroses have the best company. This is the party side,” Kira mused and laughed. She scooped food at random onto her plate and continued sipping her wine.

[Rodiak]

_{dress ♛ crown ♛}

_{C A S T L E D I N N I N G H A L L | E V E N I N G
I n t e r a c t i o n s :
Farim @Lava Alckon , Anastasia @princess , Rohit @Helo , Kira @Potter
M e n t i o n s :
Hala's Stinky Dog}

Fashionably late.

“Presenting Shehzadi Nahir Aysun Kadir, daughter of Sultan Raif Kadir!”

Nahir moved through the banquet hall with effortless grace, the sheer fabrics of her embroidered gown catching the light as she walked. Tonight, she had forgone her usual crimson for something softer—layers of violet and lavender, the delicate hues shifting like twilight against her skin. Silver, not gold, adorned her. Fine chains, delicate cuffs, dainty earrings, a constellation of gems scattered across her collarbones and wrists. Her hair, usually bound in intricate braids, cascaded in loose waves. The ensemble was regal without severity; every detail and move looked like a whisper of elegance rather than a declaration.

Eyes shifted from the what ever noble had just entered to her, naturally. Not that she particularly cared.

She came to a stop before King Erin and Queen Alibeth, dipping into a bow that was precisely as deep as custom required. No more, no less. “Your Majesties,” she greeted, her voice smooth as silk. “It is an honor, as always.” A polite smile, an exchange of pleasantries, and then she moved on.

Like windchimes in a summer breeze, a song of soft fine jewelry followed her wherever she went.

As she made her way further into the hall, Nahir’s gaze drifted over the gathered nobility—measuring, cataloging. When her eyes caught on Prince Wulfric, she smiled warmly. He always looked the part, she had to admit. Stoic. Broad-shouldered. Composed. Commanding. Cut from the kind of marble that demanded people listen. It suited him.

A pause in her thoughts, brief and weightless.

Some things looked perfect on paper.

Then, she moved on—unhurried and fluid.

Reaching the Alidasht table, she greeted them all with a warmth that was both natural and precisely measured. A moment’s pause, a quiet sniff. “Curious, I had not expected canine in the bouquet of tonight’s perfumes.”

Her attention moved neatly, efficiently, through each of them.

“Uncle,” she said to the Grand Vizier as she neared her seat. With a gracious dip of her head, and nothing more, she greeted him.

“Cousin,” to Farim, with a note of playful suspicion, she greeted next. “Looking too content. Should I be worried?”

To Princess Anastasia, she offered: “Princess, you carry the evening well. I do hope we can keep you entertained for the rest of the evening.”

“Rohit” she said simply, the corners of her mouth tilting in wry amusement. “It is good to see you again.” She continued with the other Alidasht guests until finally—

“Miss Kiraa,” Smooth. Even. No different from the rest, at least in tone.

But her gaze lingered a fraction longer than etiquette required. Not long enough to be considered rude, but just long enough to raise an eyebrow..

And then she sat, the silks of her gown cascading around her like a settling dusk, every gesture quiet and clean.

The mask, as always, impeccable.

[Lava Alckon]

Farim

Location: Castle Dining Hall
Time: Evening of the 28th
Mentions: Hafiz and the Danroses, @princess@Silverpaw@Helo, Nahir @Rodiak, Count Fritz @JJ Doe, and anyone who wants to approach Farim during his walk

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The usual underhanded banter from his father was nothing to be surprised about. Farim had seen it a thousand times over since his youth. He hardly blinked at the words Hafiz slathered back in his direction as he placed the goblet back down. It was funny, in its own way, that the man who goes home to several wives and concubines talk about ‘wine from a cup he didn’t pour’. He pondered the last time Hafiz had even bothered to pour his own drink, and a smirk peered across his lips.

“Heavens forbid, I would choke on such a smooth and tame drink. Would be a tragedy really.” Farim paused. “As much as I enjoy your splendors, I think I shall partake of a more recent vintage - something more…modern.” A playful hint at the passage of time - and its inevitable effect on everyone. Farim stopped to hear Hafiz’s lamentations about Lorenzo, and chimed in just at the end. “Considering how much you’ve been around that man and how much his actions seem to brush off onto you - shall I call one of our sages to look you over?” Another deliberate pause before letting his breath exhale in a show of humor.

“I merely jest. I shall let you be for once, I have far grander things to attend to at the moment.” A final jab - which his father would likely ignore or chastise in the moment. But Farim would let him take that final swing if Hafiz so desperately wanted it.

There was a smile on his face as a certain someone had sung happily to his arrival. Anastasia had that effect on him, as if the world seemed to blur at the edges when she was in frame. He placed Thara gently along the arm of the Princess’ chair, in a spot that would not infringe upon her space. “Oh nonsense! You performed very well - it would take a lot to ruin such magnificence!” The Shehzade paused for a moment, his hands hovering as if suspended mid-grab, before he gently tucked his hand under hers to raise it up to his lips. Farim bowed down and placed a gentle kiss along her knuckle. “The pleasure is mutual, Your Grace.” He grinned at the coy use of her title due to the regal circumstances.

“Pardon me a moment, I must greet our gracious hosts. A most regal and opulent pairing of souls.” He spoke that part just a touch louder than most other words in case the nearby Danroses would hear - but if not he paid no worry. Farim approached Prince Auguste, the next in line in the royal row of seats that had been chosen at this far end of the table - his hand lingering just a touch longer on Annie’s arm. “I will be right back. Promise.” He said softly.

Now onto the greetings - starting with Prince Auguste. Farim offered a formal bow. “Prince, while our interactions are sparse, I hope this changes in the coming days - it is always such a pleasure to see you at these events and elsewhere. We simply must have a proper conversation here soon - perhaps tonight even.” Short and sweet, with possibly more to come later. Farim had in one way or another come into contact with at least half of the royal heirs - and a touch with the King and Queen themselves. It would only make sense to acquaint himself with the others.

Then came the King and Queen themselves. Already knee deep in interactions, judgements, and observations - Farim pushed one arm out and left the other over his chest as he bowed to his fullest extent in front of them. “Your Majesties…” His voice seemed to change at this greeting, a silver-tongued flourish coming out as he talked to them. “I am honored to be among the guest list tonight. Allow me to extend a personal thank you as well for gracing the theater with your extravagance earlier this morning - hopefully my show was educational and entertaining.” Farim paused - holding himself back from thinking about how the King had called Thara an “ostrich”.

“Having such charitable endeavors really speaks volumes on your generosity as rulers of this fine nation. I have come to really enjoy my time here.” At this point he had risen back to a standing position with his arms crossed as he talked. “There is a matter I wish to discuss in a more private setting if your itinerary and good graces would allow - but if not I can always make time for the both of you.” Farim gave good pause to give a chance for a short exchange of dialogue between them before giving another brief bow upon his exit. “One can rarely get the chance to see greatness in the flesh - so Your Majesties have given me quite the miracle today. I hope I can live up to any expectations you have of me or my nation.” Farim made sure that he locked eyes with both Alibeth and Edin as he said this, and made his way to the two male heirs seated adjacent to the King.

Farim stopped by Wulfrics chair and offered a bow, one arm crossing his chest with the other at its side - a more modest approach compared to the one he gave his parents. “Always the picture of perfection when it comes to appearances, Prince Wulfric. You seem to have quite the aura about you this evening - more than usual.” Farim took a brief glance over at Prince Callum. “As does your sibling.” His face seemed to change into perplexity. Something is different about him. Is it the crown? Was it just always high or drunk when we last saw each other? His memory went back to the last event they had been together - the forest on the edge of town. Where all the Varians had partaken in drinking a strange potion that caused interesting visions. Nonetheless - Farim took a mental note of this change of demeanor and continued.

“Prince Callum - a fine arrangement of fabrics you chose tonight. I hope the evening treats you well. It is always a pleasure to be around such reputable members of high society.” Even Farim began to think the brown-nosing was getting a bit much, so he toned it back for the time being. “I simply wished to pay my respects, so forgive any intrusions. If you have any need of this Trade Prince, I shall be seated over there.” He pointed over to his seat behind Alexander and near Rohit, and took his leave with a friendly wave.

It was here that Farim strode the long way around the room - taking lots of mental observations of who was in attendance. His long fabrics almost seemed to blend into the shadows and the floor despite their clashing colors - a weird visual effect that would trip up anyone not paying close attention to the golden trim that divided the clothes from the floor. There was the Sorian table on the western side, the middle table filled with a majority of this other land - Varians. Farim knew little of them - and hoped to possibly change this throughout the course of the night and onward. And the easternmost table that sat a majority of his homelands dignitaries and royals. At the head of each table, a figure of Sorian nobility. Fitting. Given this is their home turf. Only makes sense to sprinkle some personal influence amongst the nations - very aptly made seating arrangement.

Farim continued his measured stride around the room. There were quite a few sights to be had. A man showing off his gentlemanly nature, a few colored suits that outshined a lot of other guests, whether through sheer absurdity or particularly bold color choices. There were a few familiar faces that Farim mentally checked off in his head. Ariella, Kalliope, Lady Charlotte, Lord Roman, the puppet boy from the show….Kazumin was his name? What an interesting list of guests. Not the least of all….Hala Sami. What is he doing here? Why did Hafiz seem all too overjoyed at his arrival - definitely some curious figures at this banquet. Maybe tonight won’t be a simple wine and dine after all. He paused as he took the time to look around the edges of the room, spotting a familiar face. Ah, Count Fritz. Even here we meet in such intriguing circumstances - ever the mysterious bystander this one.

The man continued his lengthy strides around the room - offering professional and friendly greetings to any and all who would approach him, before he made his way back to his seat. It was here that he noticed the arrival of his cousin. His gentle smile only grew more at the presence of Nahir gently teasing him. “Never. Because if I am enjoying myself - then it is likely a good time to be had, no?” He sat down in his seat before continuing. “Good to see you, cousin. I see that you put the ‘fashion’ into ‘fashionably late’. I am loving the style and arrangements.” While he mentioned the ‘late’ part, he truly didn’t care. He just wanted to make a light joke and tell her what the whole room was thinking. She was obviously killing it. And she deserved to know it.

Farim turned back towards Anastasia and offered his hand towards her with a soft voice. ”Told you I would be back - did you miss me?”