And Entirely Too Many People We Must Entertain

Dorotea went to change her clothes soon after dancing with Rosamund, meaning he had a bit of time to get things properly rolling. To his absolute despair, Adanita wasn't coming back, Mislav had gone missing, Teodolit was keeping Nivelir too busy for them to talk, Lilac was gone, hopefully for a few weeks, Ekliptik didn't return yet, and Cinda was attending his party as an ex Franac noblewoman and a pirate, with two women accompanying her, one of whom he recognized as one of his maids.

All in all, the evening was going fantastically. At this point, he'd normally be on his third glass of wine, get appropriately intoxicated along with everyone else, and go to bed before midnight like an old man that he was.

Unfortunately, Dorotea openly threatened his brother and his pirate and tried to strangle him in front of everybody. And that was before dropping that absolute bombshell on him. It never even occurred to him that there could be more people with memories of the previous time, damn it all!

He gave Bluebell a sign to only give him non-alcoholic drinks for the rest of the night, picked up a glass of juice, and beelined for Cinda. One issue at a time.

"But you said your name is Lucinella de Mésange. As far as I'm aware, Marquess de Mésange only had a son, Lucio," a man loudly said.
"Things change. Your knowledge is out of date, much like your fashion," Cinda replied just as loud, as the other woman on her arm gently squeezed her.
"I'd like us to dance, love."
"Ah, sure. Mariette, will you be alright?"
"Of course. I am not much of a dancer. You two have fun."

Well, after a scene like that, Rosamund decided to wait for a few moments. Cinda went to the floor with the other woman, while his maid, who was dressed in an elegant but not extravagant evening dress, went to get a drink.

"Miss Mariette," Rosamund said, quietly approaching. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
The poor woman froze in absolute terror. "G-good eve-evening, m-my lord."
"Relax. I am not going to throw you out. You are more than welcome to stay. I just wanted to check if you are safe."
"Pardon?"
"That is Captain Lotus' First Officer that you came with. Is everything alright? You know you can come to me if she gives you any trouble."
"O-oh no! Not at all! She is a very lovely woman and, uh... I like her. She got me this dress and- it's fine. Thank you, m-my lord."

The woman was completely red in the face. Cinda was glaring at him while dancing with the other woman and he waved her off. He wasn't going to allow his staff get abused by the pirates, but if both ladies that were with her were comfortable with the situation, there was nothing for him to do. Hells, this was probably her first time being at a party as an attendant instead of a maid. He wasn't going to ruin that for her.

"Miss Mariette, have a lovely evening."
She gave him a bright smile in return and he left.

...he was still upset from Dorja. He could feel his skin crawling from her little show. He had no idea how she managed to create a form of magic he couldn't see, let alone assault him in the middle of his own house. He didn't expect this, damn it. Of course he believed Lilac and Adanita, but it didn't feel real until she aimed her maniacal behavior towards him. Maybe he should switch back to alcohol to calm down. He couldn't be seen by people like this- no. Alberic was coming at him with his fiancee. Rosamund braced for impact.

"Lord Governor," he greeted him. "You seem to be enjoying yourself."
"Hardly," Rosamund bitterly replied. "Dorja all but declared war on me."
"Delightful. There goes my opportunity to work with both of you," he said with some indignation.
Before Rosamund could rightfully reply with something that would absolutely land him in trouble, his fiancee spoke up. "Lord Governor, I wanted to ask you," she quietly said. The shy woman still refused to remove her veil. "What exactly is that game you are playing on the Duchess?"
"Just a little something to keep her off my back for the rest of the evening, Lady Ilsa" he politely replied.
"Then I suppose you wouldn't mind if I joined in?"
"As long as she doesn't realize it until at least the end of the event."
"There is nothing to worry about, Lord Governor. Gentlemen, please excuse me..."

Alberic watched her leave with a loving look in his eyes. Oh, to be young again. Rosamund kept a neutral expression on his face while sipping his juice and waiting. Alberic stayed by his side for a reason.

"Lord Governor, I've been meaning to ask you about the books your father requested from me."
There we go. "What about them, Your Highness?"
"Aside from the strange choice of topics, which I am respectfully choosing not to comment on, a few of them cannot be simply brought out. Even by me. I had a discussion with your father about it and he recommended borrowing your little spy."
"And do what exactly? Have them break into the Royal Palace?"
"Nothing as dramatic. I just need some support if you want me to hold up my side of the deal. Where is that little pest, anyway?"
"Removing my brother from this party."
"Is that so? I noticed he went missing, but I didn't expect him to be so shameless as to leave without letting me know. Rudeness runs in your family, Lord Governor."
"If I cite medical issues, would this transgression be forgiven?"
"And what are those issues?"
"The Duchess makes him ill."
"To this point? I suppose I will allow it, then. The fact he didn't come to greet me will surely help you with this little plan of yours."
"I am most grateful for your understanding, sir."
"Now, regarding those books-"
"The ones you are choosing not to comment on?"
"Yes, precisely. Do you know what your father requested?"
"No," he honestly said. He could guess what they were about, though.
"Hm. Then I suppose we will see what happens. I suppose academic interest is a possible explanation, considering his previous position..."

Rosamund tuned him out as his focus slowly shifted to a new scene. He could feel time slow down as his brain was struggling to process what was happening, but he managed to stop himself before the crystal glass broke in his hand. The crunchy sounds it made let him know he cracked it nonetheless.

"Your Highness," he dangerously said. "Get your brother under control before I do."

Next to him, Alberic dared to look amused at his words. With a small condescending smirk, he turned to look at what Rosamund was seeing.

That little piece of shit, Sinjon, cornered Ekliptik. He was far too close to them, with his hand on the wall behind them. They looked genuinely terrified, which was bad enough on its own, but both Rosamund and Alberic knew that their next reaction will absolutely be to stab the Third Prince in the face. And Rosamund wouldn't blame them. In fact, he was suddenly very interested in challenging a royal to a duel to the death. Next to him, Alberic looked downright murderous as he pushed his glass in Rosamund's hand.

"Excuse me, Lord Governor. I have a family matter to resolve," he snarled as he marched off across the room. Sinjon yelped loud enough for Rosamund to hear as Alberic grabbed his arm above the elbow. He whispered something into his ear and started to forcefully drag him away from Ekliptik. Out in the garden with him, may he not return until the end of the event.

Ekliptik was still in their corner, distressed to the point they couldn't walk. He walked up to them, passing the glasses onto the nearest servant.
"Are you alright?" he quietly asked them.
They flinched. They looked up at him and seemed a bit more at ease around him, but they were shivering. He could see they put their dagger away under the frills of the dress. They awkwardly hugged themself and gave him a nod.
"Do you want to leave? It's alright if you do."
They shook their head.
Rosamund tiredly sighed and offered them an arm to hold. He could escort them to his parents. Or Baroness Mayberry, perhaps. Or chat with them himself. Anything was better than staying in this corner. They shyly accepted and walked by his side.

"You really have no luck with the royals so far. First Alberic, now Sinjon," he said, trying to lighten the mood.
"I think I preferred Alberic," they mumbled in return.
How... expected. Depressingly so.
"I got your brother out of here. He'll be off to Hannau before midnight," they added.
"He will be safe there, right?"
They shrugged. "My guys will watch over him. And he's got his sword. The magic one. Probably."
Ever so capable of dispelling his worries. At least he knew Dorotea wouldn't go there. Not personally, at least. "My father and Alberic need you to do some work for them. Are you up for it? You are allowed to say no, they will find someone else."
They shrugged again. "As long as he keeps that creep away from me."
"He will handle him."
"So you don't need to?"
"Blood is a pain to wash out of white clothes."
They smiled. "I was too scared to stab 'im. I'm sorry."
"Nothing for you to apologize for. If it happens again, let me know. I will deal with him myself. And if you're in danger, you are allowed to hurt him. I will deal with the consequences."
They nodded, letting go of him. "I met some kids. They wanna play with my cats."
"Very good. Enjoy your evening, dear."

They gave him another flustered smile and left his side. Rosamund picked up another glass of juice, pleased they bounced back so easily. He was exhausted. He wanted to go to bed. Or- no. Speak with Adanita first. The number of people he was forced to pay attention to, who demanded a word with him and gave him compliments about the event and his new position drained him. Today absolutely lasted far too long. He just wanted some peace. He could play his violin for her... or chat. Or just quietly enjoy each other's presence for a while.

Dorotea returned, wearing another dress. This one was considerably plainer, fashioned after the official robes of Mage Masters. It was nearly black in color, with a gentle green and blue sheen to it, decorated with silver threads and ribbons. She was trying to match with Lilac now. The colors suited her better than him. He watched with a small smirk as Viscountess Kuplung approached her and quietly spoke to her. Dorotea gave her a graceful nod and headed off into the unknown.

He felt a weight lift off of his chest. Everything was better now. Dorotea was gone, Sinjon was gone, Ekliptik was having some fun with other children. Teodolit and Nivelir were chatting and laughing in a quiet corner, Cinda was charming the nobility. His parents were dancing and enjoying themselves.

Adanita...

The Pirate Queen was towering above Captain Verlice. And the other dancers. He moved closer so he could watch them, getting rid of his glass on the way. Tall and dressed in black, Adanita looked like a pirate from fairy tales. A villain who could steal away the little lady in a golden dress, whom she gently held in her hands as they spun together across the floor. Mislav's dress fluttered around her ankles as she laughed and twirled with her. Rosamund's heart skipped a beat as he saw the smile on Adanita's face. Soft and loving and playful. He wished it was directed at him. He wished it was his coat that fluttered when he danced with Adanita. That he was being held, and laughed as they glided through the room, and that everyone was looking at them and how beautiful they were.

♪ So she said what's the problem, baby ♪
♪ What's the problem I don't know, well, maybe I'm in love ♪

♪ *~¤~* ♪ Love ♪ *~¤~* ♪

Of all the damn songs that could get stuck in his head at a time like this-! Rosamund pinched the bridge of his nose, struck with a sudden realization as the stupid melody played in his head on repeat thanks to him remembering only a few lines of it.

He caught feelings.

Oh gods.


He was in love with Adanita Vervain. And he was blushing.