FunnyGuy

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Edward's Estate
Interaction: @princess @Helo @PapaOso @CitrusArms Cassius, Callum, Charlotte, Victoria, Stratya
Mention:

Lorenzo was grinning ear to ear as the festivities escalated between the members of his table. The tension between himself and Cassius was beginning to dissipate in the presence of competition. Whether or not it was healthy could be left up for debate. Everyone being in good spirits was a great sign, so Lorenzo would persist. A few drinks could never ruin him, right?

At the same time, he tried to remain mindful of Charlotte who was already slurring and swaying about. She’s happy, he mentally assured himself. They were all having fun—a good ol’ time. There was even a live performance from Drake Edwards, the birthday boy!

Lorenzo raised another glass.

“To the young and talented Drake Edwards!” Lorenzo announced before downing his drink. “I must have the recipe for these drinks!” He exclaimed.

“And this next piece is a surprise one - gifted to me by a special someone. A spectacular person by the name of Charlotte Vikena. Thank you for blessing me with such a fine gift on such a fine day, milady.”

Lorenzo gasped as he looked at Charlotte in amazement at discovering her music would be played in front of such an audience, in front of princes, princesses, dukes, and duchesses from all over the world! To find that Charlotte was so beloved made him feel so proud of her. To think she did it on her own and despite his many follies.

“Lottie that’s your song!” Lorenzo shouted listening in awe. “That deserves another!” He tapped a nearby servant without having to leave his seat. “Hey, just set the whole tray down here. You deserve a much-needed break,” Lorenzo insisted as the servant reluctantly set a tray of cocktails down at the table. With a stupid mischievous grin on his flushed face, Lorenzo turned to face Cassius and winked. “Looks like I brought the bar to us, huh?” He giggled with amusement before grabbing a glass and setting it as close as he could to Cassius. A bit of it spilled over in his unsteady hands, a strong indicator for him that these cocktails were hitting him harder than he initially believed they would. The Duke nearly thought he might be off his game when it came to consuming alcoholic beverages but hearing Drake slur just before he took a tumble off-stage informed him something else was afoot. He should have put more thought into figuring out what was happening but his and mostly everyone else’s focus shifted to Drake. The young man was being helped by several attendees, including Prince Callum which may have narrowed the competition to Lorenzo’s dismay. Defeating the sons of Edin and Calbert would be a legendary tale to tell his grandchildren someday!

Drake had fallen but Lorenzo was sure the young man would pick himself back up and push on. It was his very own personal holiday afterall. It appeared things would smooth over… at least until Duchess Victoria marched across the grass to ridicule her son only moments after ridiculing her daughter, Ariella. To think such pleasant children had to tolerate that abhorrent woman their entire lives. Trying to slow down on his drinking and keep his mind off of one of his sworn enemies, he took a sip of yet another cocktail… a small one. Really.

"Servants! Now would be a fabulous time to bring out more hors d'oeuvres, don’t you think? And everyone, do help yourselves to the buffet! So much to enjoy!" That might have been the last of her but Ariella stepped up to her challengingly. “Is there going to be a fight? Between mother and daughter? Hmm… I would love to see Ariella smack the ego off her face.” Lorenzo did not attempt to keep the thought to himself while his attention remained fixated on the two women.

“Take off yerr shoes!” Lorenzo’s eyebrows raised upon hearing the heckle toward Victoria. He craned his head to see none other than Knight Captain Stratya Durmand with one hand cupped around her mouth and the other holding one of those impressive cocktails. There were several chuckles and stifled laughs amongst the crowd, and for once he was not at the center of it. Of all people who could have a turn at being laughed at, he did not foresee a chance to mock Duchess Victoria ever coming to pass. This… This was an opportunity Lorenzo could not pass up. With no inhibitions holding him back, Lorenzo took a deep breath and pointed toward Victoria.

“She won’t do it! It would be a crime Knight Captain! Victoria knows she has the stinkiest feet in the Kingdom! Trust me when I say it would be easier to bury your face in WEEK-OLD ROYAL CURD CHEESE left in the blistering heat than to be subjected to the hell of her removing her shoes!”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Edward's Estate
Interaction: @princess Cassius, Callum, Charlotte
Mention:

Surprisingly, just one of the drinks helped to take some of the edge off of Lorenzo. Though he was aware of how terrible it was to medicate himself with it, Lorenzo would be lying if he claimed it never helped sometimes. His eyes admired his glass as he attempted to keep himself from butting into Charlotte's fun with her two new and peculiar male friends. He winced.

A Danrose and a Damien… How did this happen? It's… it's not bad, I guess. Unexpected but she's having fun… she's having fun… she's having fun, Lorenzo. He beat those final thoughts into his head until he couldn't but hear Cassius baiting the others into a drinking contest of sorts. Lorenzo finally turned his head, first looking at Charlotte, then to Callum, and finally Cassius.

“Shall we see who can keep up?”

“Let’s! The Duke of Vermillion could use a warm up… Like a rival of mine famously says, ‘I’m here to play… and win.’” Lorenzo downed one of his two cocktails before flashing a mischievous grin at the young men.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Edward's Estate
Interaction: @princess Cassius, Callum, Charlotte
Mention:

Lorenzo was wearing a warm smile of glee on his face. How could he not? He had just confronted Cassius about his slightly inappropriate behavior with Charlotte, using the appropriate amount of tact without ruining a potential new relationship between himself and Cassius. Now he and the rest of the members of his table could enjoy some spirits to improve the already positive environment further. Or so he thought… It always seemed to play out that way for the duke but this was… Let’s say this was unique to other times. Pay attention.

“Are you finished?” Lorenzo turned to face Cassius again, wondering what he might say. He only hoped Cassius did not mean to apologize. It might have been nice but it would lay things on a little too thick. Lorenzo only wished to reach a mutual understanding between himself and Cassius that he could truly treasure from now onward. It was unfortunate that this was something Lorenzo and Calbert never reached and possibly never would. At least here, there seemed to be hope. He felt the soft brush of Cassius’ hand on his shoulder and welcomed the kind gesture with a smile. He almost gave thanks but something about how he said his previous words stayed his tongue. Something was very wrong, and it took a hair too long to realize it.

“I’m truly not sure what I’ve done to earn such ire, your grace, but you are fortunate that I am a man forgiving of such…outbursts. Insults, threats…all in the span a moment, really. Is that how a man of your status…a father...should conduct himself?”

“Eh.” Lorenzo nervously let out as he was a bit confused about Cassius’ defensiveness. Saying I would treat you harshly for treating my daughter harshly is ire? What? In Lorenzo’s perplexity, he allowed Cassius to continue, hoping there was a dark-humored punch-line ready to be delivered. Instead…

“How amusing, the thought of a street-rat bastard such as myself lecturing a Duke in the art of decorum. I mean look at you…”

Maybe he… Perhaps he is joking… Yes, he doesn’t seem angry… but that doesn’t mean he isn’t. Lorenzo gulped as the sharpness of Cassius’s words pressed against him. Not with lethality but only to continue applying pressure onto him. As Cassius adjusted his outfit, the intention of his words became clearer and clearer until it rivaled the clarity of a window pane.

“What comes next, are you going to strike me? No? Then I suggest you pull yourself together and act like a real father for a moment.”

Lorenzo’s moment of confusion came to a full stop the moment Cassius questioned his parentage. He questioned his legitimacy. Lorenzo’s eyebrows furrowed as the young man who shared little in appearance with his father somehow appeared identical. Was this his play for this party? To pretend to be offended by slight words of warning so he could spout terrible words directed at him. To wound him deeply without leaving a scar. It would be crazy to think Calbert would subject his son to a vile familial initiation ceremony consisting of humiliating him but it was far easier than believing this young man who had little influence from his father inherited his evil.

“And to suggest that your own daughter may be nothing more than an hors d'oeuvre. How belittling. Plus, maybe I don’t want just a little taste? Maybe what I want is the full meal?”

Lorenzo’s left eye twitched as he attempted to contain himself for the very person Cassius was speaking of. He could have defended her, Charlotte. With words? With rage? Perhaps madness could take the reins? Maybe wailing and screaming to get it all out so he wouldn’t have to point his feelings toward anyone. Or maybe that was the answer? Action. Throw something? Break something… someone? Violence… that is what that would be, right? Is that what he resorted to that evening as his late wife struck him with her balled hands and all manner of things? That terrible evening of Emina’s death. Was it him? Did he snap? Did he…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

Did he ruin his daughter’s life?

Why not? Is that not what he always does? Is that not what he’s about to do right now?

Lorenzo was truly torn. He wanted to fight for Charlotte so badly, at this very moment in any way he could! He wanted to argue! He wanted to scream! He wanted to break something! He wanted to break someone!

He wanted to cry.

Yet despite it all, he just sat there.

Lorenzo shook his head, took a deep breath, adjusted himself in his seat, and just sat there.

Ignore him. This is not the time nor the place for tears, anguish, or rage. This is Lottie’s time, this is her season, this is her age… Endure, Lorenzo. Keep her safe. Keep her happy. You promised.

“It’s an honor to sit with the best-dressed Duke in Caesonia,” said Prince Callum as arrived at the table.

"He is rather splendid, isn’t he?" Charlotte agreed.

The grand compliment from royalty at that, but the words did not seem to register completely. To appear polite, Lorenzo forced a short-lived smile. Keeping his expressions light held back the tears that yearned to escape and bring him to express how he felt. Even as Charlotte sat in the seat between himself and Cassius with excitement and ignorance, he sat calmly. It was what he wanted, right? For Lottie to make friends and socialize with her peers. To not be shackled by his poor judgment and decision-making.

“Oh, look! Shots are here!” Callum announced.

"Oh! Shots, yes—how thrilling!" Charlotte laughed delightfully. To believe something so soft and delicate could help hold himself together, to even summon that was more genuine than the last. Still…

“To the two of you, a stunning couple. And to Lord Drake, of course.” It stung, to see and hear Callum present that toast, but the swig he took from his cocktail did well in rivaling it. He noticed its potency. Perhaps he was one of the few who could scrutinize the barely noticeable unevenness of the cocktail’s mixture. A dangerous concoction he was more than willing to welcome.

Lorenzo stood up with a feigned smile and grabbed a second beverage from the server before returning to his seat. In front of Lorenzo sat his lone shot for the toast. With a slight shrug, he dumped its contents into his current cocktail.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Edward's Estate
Interaction: @princess Cassius and Charlotte
Mention: 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.

I must be more careful. 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. And why does it have to be his 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.

Lorenzo took his seat, his expression now worn and unexcited. I have to protect her… but I can’t be like Emina. 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.

“Ehem!” Lorenzo scooted his chair as close as he could toward Cassius until his chair bumped up against Charlotte’s vacant seat. “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.” 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. She’s far more than that. Far more. And I suggest- No. You must treat her as such.” Lorenzo swallowed hard before his eyes stared right into Cassius’ with not the face of the foolish inept Duke of Vermillion. “Treat her with dignity and respect or I fear I may have to treat you like someone who deserves not an ounce of it.” 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.

“Don’t fuck with my family, Damien. I will not warn you a second time, child,” 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.

“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?” Lorenzo inquired as if he hadn’t just threatened someone only seconds ago.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Edward's Estate
Interaction: @princess Calbert, Cassius
Mention: Charlotte

Lorenzo felt his body tense up as everyone in the immediate vicinity reacted to his abrupt address. Some twisted their faces, appalled. Others covered the mouths to hide their reflexive facial expressions. Lorenzo wanted so badly to just run away but his feet wouldn't budge, even as Calbert looked as if he would snatch him away from this party and crush him in his grip.

When Prince Callum surprisingly echoed his very words, initially he felt himself saved by all it did was create a moment of pause before Victoria and Calbert bore into him. Victoria criticized him with nothing he hadn't heard before. It was just the nature of their foul relationship. Lorenzo gave Gideon a few silent nods to his suggestions as he tried to deescalate the situation like a good host should. With Charlotte pulling at him, it only made sense to just walk away and take a seat as he originally planned.

Sit at a table, eat, drink. Enjoy the morning. Enjoy this splendid party in celebration of the young Drake Edwards.

“I would advise you to choose your words with more care in the future. To address my son—my blood—with such a term is not only a grave insult but also a testament to your own ignorance.”

Lorenzo frowned apologetically as Calbert finally spoke of Cassius. His eyes met the young man’s not knowing what damage he might have inflicted on him. Softy, Lorenzo attempted to ask Charlotte to let him speak to him.

“Charlotte, may I-” Lorenzo returned his attention to Calbert who was far from finished with him.

“Cassius, regardless of the circumstances of his birth, is every bit a Damien as I am. He bears my blood, my name, and my respect. You will do well to remember that.”

Lorenzo gave a single nod, keeping quiet so as to not make things worse. It was his mouth that had gotten him into this after all.

“And let us not forget, Duke, that while you so freely label my son a ‘bastard,’ you have long played the role of father to an orphan girl who isn’t even your own flesh and blood. Yet, I don’t see you making that fact public at every opportunity. Perhaps, out of respect for her, you should refrain from using such terms when speaking of a man who carries my lineage.”

Lorenzo’s mouth parted as he could not believe what Calbert had said concerning Charlotte. Sure it was an eye for an eye but Lorenzo was hardly a man of reason when it came to Charlotte. In actuality, Lorenzo was hardly ever reasonable!

Gideon and Victoria attempted to de-escalate things further, the former with his warm suggestions and the latter with her threats of removal from the party. Regardless, Lorenzo was NOT letting Calbert escape this. It didn't matter if he had what he had on Lorenzo, he would defend Charlotte.

“Count Calbert Damien! Your words don't affect me. They don't affect Charlotte… And they don't affect your relationship with Cassius either! You can believe what you want about Charlotte and I but I raised my girl… with love and action! Cassius might possibly be a great young man with plenty of potential but your blood bears no responsibility for that.” Lorenzo briefly turned to Cassius, his eyes tearing up as he was becoming emotional. “I am sorry for what I said to you, young man, truly. And I am also deeply sorry that your father believes he can equate mere moments with you to the connection I have with my daughter.” Lorenzo let loose a sigh before finally letting Charlotte take him away to the table.

Young Justice

Location: Kobra Warehouse
Interactions: The Insiders
Mentions:

---

They almost reported a true SITREP… Viktor stood impressed among his companions that had infiltrated the facility. His only concern might be their pace but their advance was too smooth for him to voice it. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

“Let’s move forward then. I'll take point from here on,” Viktor stated walking forward. “And to your inquiry, Quiver…” He slightly adjusted his grip on his rifle so he could prioritize using the sonic emitter attached to the weapon.“This Kobra facility is utilizing and transporting an unknown compound. All we require is a sample. And I think we should stick to that objective. Something doesn't feel right about this place.” Viktor’s visor then turned to face Pei to at least humor the pitch for the name of her restraining technique.

“Chill… pill..? Hmm… Perhaps Ashwagandha or Benzodiazepine might be better contenders.” Viktor shrugged. His reply held a neutral tone despite this being a very poor attempt at delivering sarcasm. “Anyway, let's advance. I’ll disrupt any threats inside. Just be swift in following up.”

Once the four heroes were ready, Viktor approached the door while listening for any activity on the other side of it. Nothing yet but… Even with the others taking the brunt of the attention from their enemies, Viktor found this base far too empty. He wondered if there was something else being protected deeper within the base or if this was all intended. The latter seemed unlikely due to how events had played out so far.

With a swift push, Viktor swung open the door to the large garage. It was dimly lit and filled with several vacant cargo and personnel vehicles. The area was conveniently held together by thick cement support beams and initially appeared to be empty. Unfortunately, those very beams were being used as cover for several henchmen waiting within to fire at the doorway. They were expertly hidden but a slight shift gave them away to Viktor's sharp senses.

“Take cover!” Viktor shouted as he preemptively fired his sonic emitter out toward the far side of the garage. It caused the group of henchmen to pause from firing momentarily, giving the group a short window of time to take cover.

“Quiver. Smoke?” Viktor asked as he reached into his utility belt. Whether Will had the means, Viktor would use smoke bombs to as concealment to close the distance between them and the henchmen that had ambushed them.

Young Justice

_{E P I S O D E SIX : R E F L E C T I O N S}

DIRTY BUSINESS

SOUNDTRACK

T H E E V E R G L A D E S

---

^{September 17th, 2021 | 15:33pm. | Everglades National Park, Florida}

While half of the team inside contemplated their next move, the others outside were engaged in a battle to draw the attention of the enemy forces to them. So far, it seemed to be working well, though one could say it was working too well. Daphne was attempting to close the distance between herself and the young woman sending a now massive glowing green orb in Cora’s direction. It was now bright enough to give the immediate area an unnatural green tint. While it floated toward Cora, it was still unknown what the attack could do, but it could change direction to follow its intended target. Daphne needed to move faster.

Meanwhile, the man facing Vincent, instinctively raised a hand to protect his face. Damn! He thought as he jumped and shifted his personal field of gravity so he could fly backward and out from the carbon cloud. Even though he had gotten out of such a dangerous situation, he was disappointed in the fact he could let something like that happen. His experience told him he may have just lost this but he would simply quit. This was no sparring match or honorary duel. He’d defeat his opponent by any means.

“Fire on him! He’s in the cloud!” The man shouted as he readied his hands to dish out powers if he caught even a glimpse of Vincent leaving the black cloud that continued to expand. He planned to keep his distance from it but the armed henchmen inched closer and set up a crossfire while encroaching on the cloud.

Closeby, the meta that downed Zach scoffed in disbelief.

“One hit? You mean to tell me I got lucky and hit the most worthless guy on the team? What do you even have magic for?” He laughed a little before patting the top of Zach’s tophat, the multicolored electricity now absent. “Just do everyone a favor and sit this one out, alright?” With a swift motion, he punched down onto Zach’s hat with a normal physical punch. “I’m sure your parents would rather you be a normie than getting folded like this,” he commented as he walked in the direction of the fluttering pink petals he noticed taking out many of the henchmen in the distance.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Edward's Estate
Interaction: @princess Gideon, Charlotte, Anastasia, Cassius
Mention: Wulfric, Calbert

So many pleasantries had been exchanged in such a small space in the shortest of times. As poor as Lorenzo’s tact may have been, he made sure to let the words of his enemies fall by the wayside. He told himself that he wouldn’t ruin things here and would try his damndest to keep his word. Besides, he had plenty of people to whom he was happy to give all his attention. So far, there was Gideon, who he embraced with a warm half hug to avoid staining him with salmon, and Princess Anastasia, who had ecstatically complimented his outfit after gifting Drake Edwards an orange cat that he couldn’t help but stare at.

“What an honor.” Lorenzo said, slightly caught by surprise due to his fixation on the gifted cat. Nope! Not my problem! The duke quickly shifted all of his attention onto Anastasia. “I-I find your dress equally as impressive. Pink is no stranger to either of us this morning, Your Highness.” Lorenzo pretended to adjust his collar for a little dash of flair.

The disadvantages of age… The thought trailed as he noticed Farim, giving him a friendly nod before finally considering Calbert’s words. Sure, the count wanted to see him scurry off, but right now, there was just too much traffic near this table than he was comfortable with. He had made his presence known, so it was best to find his seat and enjoy some of the free food and drink.

There was also the fact that he had just spotted Wulfric… as well as his outfit. Lorenzo raised a brow as walked away, taking in the white fabrics adorned by gold trim. Only royalty could pull off such a look of heavenly purity. Then there was the green! A message of humility as if to say “I am who I am but… I guess I could wear this at your expense today.” Lorenzo released a low sigh as he continued walking, not daring to look back at his competition. The outfit excluded, I don’t think I can face Victoria, Calbert, and Wulfric all at once.

"Fancy seeing you here, huh?" Lottie’s sweet voice stopped him in his very tracks. Lorenzo could not help but smile wide upon facing his dear stepdaughter. "I don’t suppose you’d like to join me at that empty table in just a moment? I would like to wish Lord Drake a happy birthday first…”

“Of course, Lottie. I’ll save you a seat at my side,” he said feeling warmer than ever, yet there was still more to come from the only person dear to his heart. He got ready to step off once more but Charlotte’s voice held him yet again.

“Oh, and might I add, what a lovely suit. The color complements you wonderfully."

“Oh Lottie…” he blushed.

Lorenzo couldn’t help but become giddy from the compliment, so much so that he stayed his feet long enough for Cassius Vael to greet him with more than just his best foot forward. Lorenzo almost couldn’t believe he deserved this much praise but he could not deny the strength of his outfit. He nearly glanced at Prince Wulfric but refrained so that he could maintain his pride. Lorenzo would not ruin this moment! He dared not while riding this high without the assistance of any drug! This moment! This very moment…

…was far from his control.

Cassius introduced himself…

Did he just say… “Damien” Lorenzo’s smiling face morphed to one filled with caution. Cassius Damien. Ca- Calbert Damien. The buttered words were beginning to twist in all the wrong ways. This must be… The charismatic charm with the ability to disarm so many. No, this IS…

“Count Calbert’s bastard?!” Lorenzo’s voice carried far and wide as if he had been tasked to announce the appearance of King Danrose. He quickly covered his mouth, his eyes wide. Nooooooo… gods spare me

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Morning
Location: Vikena Estate → Edward's Estate
Interaction: @princess Victoria, Gideon, Calvert, Liliane, Crystal
Mention: Drake, Charlotte, Wulfric, Edin, Waffle Guy, and of course the Alidasht

Duke Lorenzo Vikena would be bound for Drake Edward's grand birthday party but before he could step foot out the door, he required a moment to himself. He stood tall in his party outfit, staring hard into the eyes of his reflection. The house staff had been informed he needed an undetermined amount of time in private so there would be no interruptions. In a swift motion, Lorenzo pointed at his reflection so strongly he almost thought he'd cause it to flinch before him. Instead, his visage matched his move. The moment briefly brought on the possibility that another Lorenzo was experiencing the same ruination of his reputation due to his inability to manage himself.

“You! Yes you, with the scars and that- that handsome face! No! This is serious! You! You, Duke Lorenzo Giuseppe Vikena! You and your dastardly antics! Every other event results in something awful!” Lorenzo began to scowl at himself as he gained momentum. “And fix your face, you know it to be true! Or should I remind you? Should I? The Alidasht, remember them? The ‘circus performers’ with their lions and their tigers and their heavy perfumes! Utterly disrespected! Completely! And let's not bring up the fact that you were late! I could continue with just that very evening for hours but we mustn’t ruin another gathering due to tardiness.”

Lorenzo dropped his pointed finger before he started pacing a short distance. However, he kept his eyes on his reflection, grilling himself up and down. He wouldn't say it to himself right now but he was impressed with his attire for the occasion. Instead, he shook his head with disapproval.

“Do you understand that you turned breakfast at the park into fighting at the park?! You love waffles, Lorenzo! You love them, and you made a nemesis of a man who provided them for free! Then you let that pretty prude prince who probably can’t even grow HALF the scraggly beard his father has…” Lorenzo stomped his foot and pressed his finger right up against the surface of the mirror. “You let him bully and intimidate you!” He nearly hissed the words from his mouth as he wanted to violently grab hold of his reflection. “Duke Lorenzo. Hear me now…He may be the crowned prince… but you are a grown man Lorenzo! You are his senior! And most of all, you dress better than him AND YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE KNOW IT TO BE TRUE!”

Backing up from the mirror Lorenzo nodded his head a few times, satisfied with the delivery of his words. He was finally looking away, his eyes stopping at a blank space on the green-tinted wall.

“Then you went to that dinner… I can't believe you ate that awful peanut butter and insulted that young princess. That angry young woman. She had every right to be so upset with you! To threaten you after you denied her advances! You were wearing red and sitting at the head of the table, Lorenzo! What did you think would happen when you, as a widower duke, put the color of passion on full display?! Sure, you learned from your mistakes with Morrigan, but you're the reason that the princess was sent back home and might never court again. And don't-”

There was knocking on the door! Lorenzo, startled, whipped his head toward the sound.

“Sir… is everything alright in there.” Nathaniel's voice was lathered with concern. He had tried to ignore the shouting at first due to Lorenzo's request but it almost sounded as if there was a physical altercation happening in the room.

“Eh... Everything is fine. I was just about to leave.” He said as he glared at his reflection as if to indicate that it was not off the hook and that he'd continue this rant at a later time. “Inform Benjamin that I will be at the carriage in a few minutes and ensure all of the gifts are loaded.” Lorenzo ordered through the shut door.

. . . .

After some time, Lorenzo was finally arriving at the Edwards’ estate by carriage with Drake’s gifts ready to be delivered by his very hands! Lorenzo was beaming as his eyes caught sight of the splendid decorations and attendance of many. Not only would he have options for socializing but he could also use the crowd to avoid certain people such as Count Calbert Damien and Dutchess Victoria Edwards.

“Perfect driving as always Benjamin! Be so kind as to stick around so I can give Drake the last gift. I don't want to spoil it too soon.”

“Your request is granted, sir. I shall ensure I am available for whence the time comes.”

“Good man!” Lorenzo commented as he grabbed two boxes, one under each arm, and exited the carriage wearing his usual grin. One box was wrapped red while the other was wrapped white. Both boxes were tied with pink satin, ending in a clean bow knot that complimented his pink-hued attire. Lorenzo marched to the garden with confidence, giving a firm nod to whomever met his gaze until he was able to deliver his gifts to one of the servants who took them off his hands and added them to the growing collection. Before he could truly join the party, he was given a ceramic bracelet for simply being a guest at the party. Sadly, Lorenzo stuffed the bracelet in one of his pockets to prevent it from crashing with what he was wearing. He could probably re-gift it to someone else on a separate occasion

Though he focused on looking for friendly faces, even if the man was blind, he'd know where to find his enemies. Lorenzo didn't want to have to even look at them, but this event required the courtesy of addressing the hosts, and Duke Gideon Edwards, despite his wife, was always friendly and kind to him. Besides, greeting them all together might make it easy to come and go. All he needed to do was say “Hello” and then he could go search for Charlotte.

With a half-bitten Sorian salmon ball in hand, Lorenzo approached Gideon and Victoria in the midst of the Damiens while still chewing from the bite he took. Stopping in front of Gideon, Lorenzo gave a silent nod as he gulped down the fish.

“My dear Crystal! You look absolutely wonderful this day. You never fail to make your family look splendid!” He smiled warmly before quickly turning his attention back to Gideon and Victoria. “Oh and Gideon and Victoria! My old friends in our fellow dukeness! I am very honored to be a guest at your son’s party and I aim to make sure this is a birthday he shall never forget! I promise!”