princess

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Kingdom Ball
Interaction:Amir @Omni5876
Attire: Click here

---

The sight of the food was somehow not enough to make her forget about the monstrosity of the night behind her. Charlotte sighed and glanced over her shoulder towards her father's way worriedly, only to catch sight of one of the Sultan's sons, fortunately, the more rational offspring, coming her way. She took a sip of her wine to try to steady her nervous disposition. Maybe he was going to talk to someone else nearby. Still, she gave a polite smile as he came to her side. Such was second nature to her now. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure that there was no one behind her that he was speaking to instead, then she greeted him with a bow, "Shahzade...Peace be upon you. I am grateful to hear you think so." Though she had not yet delved deeply into Alidasht culture, she could recall the bare minimum of the proper greeting from a book she had read.

Oh dear, he really is speaking to me. If I misstep with my words...I'm not nearly intoxicated enough for this yet.

This man had been the one to stand up with kind words calling for the mercy of her father and of praise towards her. As brave as it had perhaps been for her to try and protect her father, it was also admirable to speak up for what one believed in, even if perhaps their family would not agree. It would not hurt to return the compliment then. "I have to thank you for stepping in with such mercy and grace. You are truly very well-spoken." Charlotte then continued after a pause, "And you seem to be a very kind gentleman."

She swirled the wine in her glass gently as she racked her brain. He really had not given her much to work with, but she knew it couldn't hurt for her to try to practice socializing after so long for her own good and to even improve the rocky start to the relationship between the Alidasht and Caesonian Kingdoms. A servant moved about toward them with a platter of crisp, golden fried shrimp. They glistened in the light of the chandelier and looked absolutely delicious. "You should try the fried prawns. They go quickly every gathering." Charlotte gestured to the hors d'oeuvres being offered. She set her wine glass down and then gently took the entire platter in her hands to offer to Amir with a big smile. The servant blinked in confusion and she looked over at the young girl, "Oh you can have some too. My apologies, miss."She offered the plate out to her. The girl grinned and took a shrimp with glee, scurrying off with it. Be free, young flower.Charlotte thought to herself, the urge to giggle tickling her throat despite it all.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Interactions: @Inertia Auguste @Helo Callum
Mentions: @13org Mayet @Silverpaw Wulfric

---

King Edin shook his head in disappointment as he watched his two sons approach him. The cherry on the top of this evening’s humiliation was his own sons’ tardiness. His gaze locked with a deadly aim at his son Callum, who was always the source of the problem. He knew Auguste would not dare do such a thing tonight. Callum. If only you could stop being a failure for once in your life. Ungrateful, little… He sometimes wondered if he was the son of Duke Lorenzo Vikena rather than his own.

“Darling. Let it go.”The hushed voice of his wife filled his ear and she put her hand over his to grip it. “It’s as if the ball has only begun. It was halted while the issue at hand was worked through. He has not missed a thing.”

“Do not speak condescendingly towards me. How many times should I let this go? Callum forgets his place time and time again and it sullies my reputation. If he were not my son, I’d care not, but he is an extension of me and every extension of me should hold themselves in the greatest regard, and thus-” Their sons approached into earshot so he drew off his quiet ranting.

King Edin kept glaring silently at Callum, his gaze adverted from the acceptable Auguste. At this point, he did not even care if it were to be proven that it was Auguste’s fault they were late. He could not fend off his anger from his weakest link.

“It’s…Been going. It’s only begun, my love so not to fret.”Queen Alibeth replied to Auguste and smiled, “How handsome you look. It warms my heart to see you and Callum so grown and beautiful. Please have a good time tonight. She stood up and moved over to give them each a hug. King Edin cleared his throat. After giving a slightly longer hug to Callum, she turned about and returned to her throne silently.

“Tonight you must be on the lookout for a wife.”King Edin announced and put his hands on his hips as he stood up from his throne to address the two. He was comfortable doing so as he had his throne area fenced off with velvet roping as well as guards to keep people from his personal space. The music was loud; only his wife and two sons would hear his words. “All three of my sons are still unmarried. What a joke. Keep on your toes boys as you see Prince Felix of the Varian Kingdom already is betrothed to a Lady, a daughter of a duchess. You listen here well, now gentlemen, I will have no ugly nor impoverished woman. She will be approved by me and she will be obedient. Your brother Wulfric knows well not to bother with anyone of low status. Follow his suit. Though…”He paused to get a glimpse of the Wulfric conversating with the loud thing that had been yammering about earlier on. How could they let their women speak like that? Did they not know their place behind the men? Annoyance filled him as he had hoped Wulfric to lead by a good example. The last thing they needed was more than necessary visitations from people who brought filthy and dangerous animals into his castle. “Let’s try to keep your selection-” He broke off his next statement as he caught sight of the Sultan approaching. “Auguste, Callum, turn about and greet the Sultan Raif Kadir as soon as he arrives.”

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Myriamor Plaza- Summer Harvest Festival
Interactions: Caelan @Alivefalling Slick @FunnyGuy Aurora @Mole
Equipment:Clothing,Backpack, Sketchbook with drawings, various drawing supplies, iPhone, charging cable, strawberry pocky, earphones, and a pouch with two rations of food, water flask, a bar of soap and a few other portable hygienic products.

Sophie put her hands to her face in horror. Was that an insult? She had no idea if she had been offensive mistitling him. ”I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.” She told him softly. Her face went red when she realized he winked and started to internally panic, but before she could react, Caelan pelted a rock at Slick, chanting the word cowboy at him, ”Oh no! Come on Caelan don’t be mean please!” She pleaded.

She gestured to Aurora, ” And don't throw rocks please! You could hurt her.”

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location:Avian City
Interactions:@Potter Xavier @Helo Orias @CitrusArms Aiko @FunnyGuy Caelestis/Augus
Equipment: Dress and thigh-high socks(Slits on the inner sides of the sleeves), Black boots, Pouch with amas, Lipstick, Mysterious bag of fun drugs

"Aiko, I'd do it again in a heartbeat so you will cuddle me and call me sweetie again."Yuka replied to him with a giggle, giving him a wink. She was soon removed from Aiko's grip. She reached for one of Aiko's tails with pleading eyes, hoping to hug the fluff. But then came the pets! Yuka's lips turned into a smile as she closed her eyes, enjoying the head rubs given to her from Xavier, "Yesss I am okay hehe. I accept your apology; just keep giving me pets please!" She told him happily. Her eyes opened as he continued his nice-sounding words and she gave him a pat on the top of his head."I will dress you head to toe in something marvelous!" They went on walking like that for a while. If anyone stopped petting Yuka, she would immediately frown until it continued again.

Yuka curiously analyzed the Commander once they were finally before him at his big fancy table. He looked about the same as people said he did; hunky big bird. Though, she would not let her heart be swayed as the love of her life was leaving! She reached for Captain Caelestis' hand as he was leaving, distraught in his departure. "My love! I will never forget you!"She cried out dramatically after him. Her fingers wiggled as she kept up the charade of reaching until he left the room. She turned her attention back and gave Commander Augus a cheeky smile and wave from her spot in Xavier's arms. Unexpectedly enough to the others, she silenced herself and allowed Koldar to speak.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: Riverport Beach
Interactions:Rue@Potter Bowyn @Helo Eris & Raven @Tae Inori @Shard
Equipment:Outfit visible from Disguise Ring,Armor(Not visible); Chest plate is enchanted with Armor of Absorption, Map of Avalia, Water Flask, A bag of elf and demi-human ears and tails, Small book and pen, Ama pouch with 2000 amas on hand, Three large red potions, Wayfinder, Hygiene supplies, Rose-scented Perfume, Location Sender, Shower Tube, Transmission Bracelet, Bedroll, Water Purifier,Axes with returning enchantment,Her backpack



Annya had been silently listening, letting her comrades speak their mind. She glanced at Bowyn once he addressed her and smiled, "I am honored, Bowyn."

There were points to be made all around and no one sounded out of rationality to Annya. She had lived many years and heard it all. However, she felt there was always evil in the world that the good needed protecting from. And she would do so until her dying day. She opened her mouth to agree to some drinks when a strange blue creature approached them. He introduced himself as Inori Lunaris. She had assumed it was some sort of lizard demihuman or Dragonborn child, but still wasn't keen to accept random strangers into the group any more than she had, especially if they had been eavesdropping.

Sapphire Academy... I haven't heard of that before. Must be new in Roshmi.

Things took an even more bizarre turn with his next statements.

My people are so of yet undecided...

Record the tale...

Roshmi had obviously been decided, so was he not a demihuman? Could he be...? Inori was indeed floating yet possessed no wings. Annya had heard of such creatures existing but not often did they openly make their way into the open like this. She wanted to ask him to elaborate, but what she knew of demons were trickery and evil. It was peculiar that they had been just discussing the subject and now pure evil itself had manifested. If she was wrong and he was not a demon, it did not matter. She was not risking anything with more strangers. "I decline your offer." She replied curtly.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Kingdom Ball
Interaction: Lorenzo@FunnyGuy John @Conscripts Ryn@JJ Doe
Mentions: Mayet@13org Thea@Tae Leo@Helo
Attire: Click here

---

It felt as if Charlotte had been holding her breath this entire time and she could finally exhale, yet she still felt sick to her stomach. Of course, the young woman felt relieved her father was safe. It was supposed to feel as if the minecart had finally stopped, but had it? She knew she was expected to cry with tears of joy for the wondrous mercy bestowed upon her father, but Charlotte could only wonder if this was all a cruel joke the entire time. How long had the Sultan planned to respond in such a way as all had voiced their opinions in Lorenzo's fate? Those in power, no matter where they were from, were corrupt at the end of the day. She had no reason to be surprised right now. After all, many before Lorenzo had lost their lives to this cruel world of nobility.

Her head had lowered in response to it all, only half-listening to the dramatic girl from before to make sure she didn't go too far.
Dinner with these people was a harsher punishment than perhaps they had realized. If they thought for one second that she was not going to accompany her father... She would not let him go alone to the wolves.

When will we be free?

Charlotte finally picked up her head as a voice in closer proximity caught her attention. A dark-haired man, who was quite lovely, was offering her father a tissue. Kindness or a noble who saw an opportunity to manipulate a man they perceived weaker than him? Just how are we going to know the difference now? She wanted to have faith in her father to be able to tell friend from foe, but he had not the best track record of doing so. Charlotte usually could recognize most nobles after seeing them so often since birth, but this man did not ring even the smallest of bells. Who is he?

She hadn't heard her father when he had whispered as she had been balling her fists and drifting in her thoughts. She glanced at him as he raised his voice. "Of course, we will be fine." Charlotte agreed with a warm smile. Would they really be fine? Something gnawed at her gut and told her this was only the beginning. Another fellow approached them, but this time he spoke to her instead of her father.
Charlotte rose to her feet. His face was familiar and as was his name. Oh. Thea's physician. It was as if the universe had a sense of humor sending a doctor to answer her question. She let out a brief, hollow laugh to herself.

Her stomach rumbled again at the mention of food. "Your reputation precedes you, Dr. Williamson. I am glad that the good people of the Varian Kingdom have someone like you to look after them. Thank you for your kindness for me and my father." Charlotte gave the doctor a cursty, her next statement spoken in a joking manner, "I will be alright. I believe the cure to my affliction lies over yonder."Her gaze flickered to the table of different liquors and wines. She had a better feeling trusting Lorenzo with Dr. John than with the mysterious, handkerchief-wielding man. She then leaned in to whisper to John, "Please excuse me if I am rude. I know we do not know each other well, good sir, but my father could use a genuine soul like yours to accompany him for a little while tonight. Would you mind... making sure no one takes advantage of his current state for a moment while I step away?" She returned his space. Perhaps Lorenzo could make a friend tonight. The very idea made her heart flutter with happiness for only a brief moment.

Besides, it would certainly embarrass further Lorenzo to have his daughter babysitting him all night. Her gaze was pulled to Leo and Thea Smithwood. Her expression fell a little as she so much wanted to go speak to them, but she worried they would be vexed with her for not speaking to them for so long. Lady Thea was with her betrothed and though Leo's actions and words suggested otherwise, Charlotte did not feel brave enough to approach him just yet. The events of the night still had her head spinning and the inner sadness she felt was bearing down on her. She turned to address the three men in her vicinity, "Gentlemen, I am going to find something to eat. Let me know if you would like me to bring anything back."

Charlotte moved herself through the crowd, ignoring the whispers and glances thrown her way as she found her place near the wine table. A kind attendee poured her a drink without saying much, simply giving her a knowing look. After giving the woman her thanks, she found her way in front of the food table and exhaled. Ah. My true purpose. We meet again.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Castle Ball Room in Sorian
Mentions: @FunnyGuy Lorenzo @Conscripts John

The reaction of the culprit mildly surprised Sultan Raif and he found himself staring at him thoughtfully. This was a broken man, it was clear to Raif there was no malicious intent behind his actions. Something the redheaded woman said resonated with the Sultan as well. Before he could say anything, however, it seemed not everyone was done speaking their peace.

The Sultan began rubbing at his temples as yet another person and his betrothed entered the conversation. How many people needed to speak up? This was just getting tiring.

“Does anyone ELSE wish to say something before I speak my peace?” He asked with a frustrated sigh, glancing around the room now.

Queen Rosa was quietly telling Dr. John to hold off unless someone requested medical assistance. She smiled at him gratefully and told him softly,” Maybe when things settle down, Dr. John, you can offer up your expertise, but I think it might just rub salt in the wound right now. Thank you, my dear.”

Up until now, she had been pleading with her husband not to say anything. King Alixandre had been incredibly moved by the events that had gone by and had been tearing up at the sight of Lorenzo crying. He had wanted to help talk the poor fellow out of his corner. Every time he saw him, he was so pathetic and he couldn’t bear it. When King Felix introduced himself, he thought his son had been about to attempt to save Duke Lorenzo and Lady Charlotte, and could not have been more proud.

King Edin had his head back against his throne, absolutely tired of all this nonsense. Queen Alibeth seemed to have a neutral expression on her face, watching attentively.

No one else seemed to have anything to say, however, and the Sultan was quite relieved. Hafiz had also seemed to go quiet, silently stewing still. Raif’s eyes fell on Lorenzo once more as he opened his mouth to speak. ”Duke Lorenzo, you have humiliated myself and my family. This is something we do not take lightly and if this were in my court things would be ending very differently. We are not, however, so I must honor the court we are in. That being said, this is the judgment I pass on to you. While my family resides here in Caesonia, you shall come to the castle once a week…” His stern face transformed into a small smile as he knew his next words would be unexpected. ”And you shall have dinner with my family and I.”

King Edin picked his head up, staring in astonishment, What the fuck? After all that? Nonetheless, he wasn’t going to let this continue nor let the Sultan change his mind. He stood up, ”A dinner date! Splendid choice, Your Majesty. Your mercy will always be remembered. You will be cherished in our Kingdom and we are eternally grateful….ANYHOW… Musicians, please continue. Please, everyone, enjoy the food. Disperse and let’s have a fun night! Everyone treat the Alidasht with the highest respect.”

Alibeth stood up and added, struggling to be as loud as her husband ”We have rooms set aside for our guests from the Varian Kingdom and Alidasht Kingdom for the season. As discussed, this season will be a chance for our young nobles coming of age to all get to know each other and to start considering marriage prospects. We have had extensive effort put into tailoring each room to the liking of all of you. When the party ends, servants will escort you. You may have any of your favorite servants or belongings brought here upon request, but much has been provided to you.The Rulers of the aforementioned Kingdoms will return after the week while those in their younger years will stay for the Summer as planned. ”

LET THE MUSIC BEGIN!

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Kingdom Ball
Interaction: Lorenzo@FunnyGuy Leo @Helo
Mentions: Mayet@13org Nahir@Rodiak Mina&Thea@Tae Amir @Omni5876 Layla @Potter
Attire: Click here

---

A beautiful woman from the Alidasht, adorned in red and fine jewelry, had been the first to respond to Charlotte. Her words were sweet but the look the girl gave told her everything she needed to know: the real snake was her, not the one around her neck. Despite the familiar narcissism that seemed to come with the package of being royalty, she and the other Alidasht were almost ethereal. If the situation had only been different, she would have been interested to learn about them more.

Of course, the feeling was not so mutual as the woman seemed to be threatening to feed her to her snake. Charlotte blinked in surprise. As rude as other nobles could be, no one had ever said anything of such a vicious nature to her before… And that look in her eyes! This woman was a villainess. As always, Charlotte had a number of replies swimming in her brain, but she knew better than to speak aloud any of them. She simply bit her lip and avoided further eye contact. Her stomach rumbled loudly in the brief silence, the sole reply Layla received. She had abstained from food all day in hopes of saving room for a delicious feast.

Woops. Forgot I only came here for the food in the first place.

Thankfully, a familiar and very welcome voice joined the fray before the girl could say anything about her stomach rumbling. Leo Smithwood stepped up to the center with that lovely smile of his and addressed everyone. Oh Leo. What are you doing? You need not involve yourself. If she had already not been drowning in her worry for Lorenzo, now her heart ached to see her dear old friend involve himself in such a mess.

Charlotte returned the bow to him nonetheless, managing an honest smile as she replied softly, ” I have all the time in the world for you, Lord Leo Smithwood.” She took the time to give him a questioning look, worry causing her expression to soften.

Leo seemed to have started a trend as others kept voicing their opinion from then on. Prince Wulfric’s words had both surprised and frustrated her. She had not expected him to defend her, but it took a lot of self-control not to blurt out that she had taken the responsibility of her own accord; Lorenzo had not asked anything of her. More children of the Sultan also voiced their opinions. The first was a girl of short stature who was awfully furious and certainly not shy about it. When she moved towards her father with that blade of hers, Charlotte had rushed over to his side in fear she’d strike him. The girl’s sister was at her side when Charlotte got her footing. Fortunately enough, all the angry yet adorable girl wanted was an apology. What a misleading buildup. Has anyone told these people they’re very dramatic? She knew the whole experience must have been as frightening for Lorenzo as it had been for her so she took her stepfather’s hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. He seemed a little too lost in his head to even notice, unfortunately.

Someone had come up asking to tell a story before the next Alidasht offspring had spoken, which struck Charlotte as odd, but she still had wanted to hear the story so she found herself disappointed that he had not been allowed to tell his tale. Meanwhile, the long-haired, handsome son of the Sultan was the voice of reason in all this, becoming Charlotte’s favorite of the children quite quickly as he was merciful and logical with the statements he made, as opposed to the others.

Though, at this point, she was hoping all these long monologues would eventually tire out the Sultan and Grand Vizier into just letting this all go at some point. Her heart was racing and she felt drained from the stress she felt.

I am going to plead with the Sultan to chop off my head instead if every single person in the room needs to have a say in this. This is absurd. Just let please Lorenzo go already…

The Sultan began to reprimand his children and she thought perhaps he’d give his reply to her offer but that wasn’t the last of the speeches. Charlotte’s expression almost became exasperated as yet the footsteps of someone up approaching to chat. She stared at the ceiling for a moment as if pleading with an invisible force, but the voice that followed was … Mina Blackwood? Her expression changed and she stared with curiosity at her as she spoke. She almost sighed out of relief. All she wanted was to make sure Lorenzo left this room alive. No matter what she agreed to, that was the next problem to try to talk her way out of. Lady Mina lived along with her uncle as far as she knew, so Charlotte could guess the girl must have empathized with her.

That was when the Sultan finally addressed Lorenzo in all this, who replied with sobbing and begging that broke Charlotte’s heart. Tears brimmed in her eyes. She knelt by his side and rubbed his back to soothe him, leaning in to whisper to him,” It’s going to be alright. Don’t give up yet, okay? I will not abandon you…”Charlotte gave him a hug, firmly telling him, ” I will work to talk ourselves out of this until I am out of breath. ”

She glanced up at the Sultan after a moment, hoping to hear his answer when yet another person started talking to him. Good God.

It was Prince Felix of the Varian Kingdom, accompanied by Lady Thea Smithwood. It was hard not to smile a little at the sight of darling Thea, who had once been one of her favorite people. But oh she looked so sad too… She wished she could pull her into a hug just as she did Lorenzo.

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location:Avian City
Interactions:@Potter Xavier @Helo Orias @CitrusArms Aiko @FunnyGuy Caelestis
Equipment: Dress and thigh-high socks(Slits on the inner sides of the sleeves), Black boots, Pouch with amas, Lipstick, Mysterious bag of fun drugs

Strands of Yuka's hair stuck up into the air as a zap went through her body, causing her to cry out in surprise. Her knees unbuckled and she struggled to catch her breath, winded. She blinked rapidly with a frown, puzzled as she gazed down at her arms, which were mildly toasted. Xavier was apologizing in the background. Oh yeah. He's a human... Guess I forgot they could do that. It's been a long time since I've felt pain like that.

The kind coo of Aiko made her shake her head as if waking out of a dream. She put her arms around him with a sniffle, laying her head on his shoulder, "No! It hurt! My pretty skin is burnt and it hurts!" She whined, "It's fatal! Death is imminent! I see the light!" Yuka dramatically collapsed against Aiko before she pointed at Xavier accusingly, her countenance that of a kicked puppy, "He zapped me!" She paused in her complaining to reconsider it as the adrenaline of the pain had been kind of exciting when she revisited the memory. Her expression changed and it was if hearts had formed in each of her irises, "Actually...Can you do it again sometime?"

There was not much time for Xavier to answer the bizarre question she had posed as Koldar had a bomb to drop on all of them. She tilted her head in momentary confusion. Prince Orias Biren was long dead. Like way long dead! But it all made sense once the avian lapped it up like warm milk. She was so impressed with Koldar's ability to come up with outrageous lies on the spot. Things were going even better than they had planned now as they were being brought to General Maximus. Avian men were so pretty; she couldn't wait to meet another.

Yuka's lips turned up in a smile as the Captain handed her a healing potion, "Why thank you, Captain."She gulped it down as if it were a shot. Her arms slowly began to heal and she felt a sense of amazing relief. She smiled pleasantly. This situation had seemed to move about so much that she did not have a clue what was happening, but it sure was exciting. "Oooh which of you handsome boys are going to carry me to see the General!? I am a poor wounded maiden in need of dire assistance!"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Early Evening
Location: Caesonia Kingdom Ball
Interaction: Lorenzo@FunnyGuy
Attire: Click here

---

Watching Lorenzo was like reading a story that incited feelings of impending doom for the beloved characters on the pages. The dark tendrils of tragedy would start to tighten their grasps on the characters more with every page, but tearing one’s gaze away from the book was impossible. It was as if the reader was tied to a runaway minecart as it went down a dark shaft.

But this was not a novel.

Charlotte felt as if her heart had stopped beating as she watched first the Sultan fall then the Grand Vizier. She gripped the skirt of her dress tight; she was certain she wasn’t breathing for that moment. It got worse as Lorenzo was not the least bit apologetic. He had not read the room as she had worried; he had no idea that those were the Alidasht royals that he had just interrupted. Every word from his mouth was like another plunge of a shovel into the ground below as he dug his grave.

As if answering her grim thought, the Grand Vizier rose up, demanding Lorenzo’s head.

He was Icarus and he had now flown too close to the sun.

Her chest began to rise and fall rapidly with rising panic. Tears blurred her vision and she staggered backward a little, but two guests behind her caught her arms and steadied her. A kind woman started to wave her fan on her as she asked if she was alright.

Not again… Please.

This was her fault. This was no runaway mine cart. Her arms had been free. Her mouth had not been taped shut. She could have stopped him, covered his mouth, pulled him aside…anything.

It’s not the first time you failed your family, Charlotte. Where were you when your mother died?

A blurred image of a silhouette of a female body, dimmed by the darkness of the night, flashed before her eyes. It faded and then she saw her father in his bed, the life slipping away from his eyes. She struggled not to let her face contort with grief and fear as she clumsily moved from the grip of those nearby her. She had been too wrapped up in her own shock to follow what had been said, which she wanted to kick herself for. This was no time to be selfish.

Charlotte had heard Count Calbert’s voice dimly as if he had been in another room. It felt like a nightmare or a strange fever dream as the room erupted into applause and King Edin encouraged it. A false sense of hope that things had taken a positive direction filled Charlotte, only for it to quickly diminish as The Sultan spoke once more:

“We would be quite pleased to get back to festivities, however, regardless of whether or not this man misinterpreted things, something still must be done. We have been humiliated and we demand retribution.”

The minecart was still racing.

Charlotte glanced Lorenzo’s way. As silly as the man’s actions had been, Charlotte knew in her heart that he did not deserve this. She wanted him to live and smile more, to see Kier once again, to smile he had done earlier which had felt like such a seldom event after Emina had died. As the grief threatened to drown her, her anger was what kept her afloat.

How could a man, with all the power and money one could dream for, have such a fragile ego that he would call for the death of another over a mere accident?

Queen Alibeth’s filled the room as she asked the Sultan, “Is there anything we can give you to compensate you for the pain you have felt today, your Majesty?”

This was not like her mother.

She was still here. She could stop this.
She had to stop this.

Charlotte’s legs were moving before she could even figure out what she planned to do as she moved to the center of the room and stood in front of Lorenzo. She kept a grip on her skirt to hide how her hands trembled. She curtsied politely before speaking.”Hello, your Majesty. My name is Charlotte Vikena. I want to first welcome you to Caesonia Kingdom.” Her voice only shook a little as she put forth effort into coming off collected. Messing this up could mean the end of Lorenzo. She took a deep breath as she relaxed her expression, then met the gaze directly of the Sultan.

“I am the one responsible for your humiliation. I apologize as this was the last thing I wanted to do.” She got down on her knees before them, “My youth and naivety betrayed me tonight. I misunderstood you all to be performers hired to welcome the Alidasht Kingdom when that’s just who you were. My kind father Lorenzo put his trust in me. He is a Duke who would outrank mere performers if that had been the case so he went forward when he should not have. If it had not been for me telling him so, I am certain he would have taken a moment to consider the situation before him. We have not attended events for the past year since my mother’s death and we are out of sorts with the proper etiquette.”

The Sultan Raif met her gaze with an unreadable one. She could feel him studying her as if she was an insect crawling about his feet. The intimidation of this man was unsettling. When he did not immediately answer, Charlotte’s nervousness prompted her to continue. Royals whether they be a Queen, a King, or Sultan, they were all the same. What they wanted was to feel above all else, to know others were beneath them. Being King was not enough to quench such a hunger, it had to be continuously satiated daily by those around them.

It was harder to keep the emotion out of her voice as she pressed on, “I-I can offer my services during your stay for the season here. Whatever you and your family need, I can personally provide.” A Lady lowering herself to servant was essentially social suicide, a price that possibly meant no one would marry her, but that no longer mattered to her. If she could save Lorenzo, her only family, then it was a small price to pay.