Dante Marcello Vidali's Story

He felt her melodic otherworldly call, it came like a shiver along his spine. He walked briskly to the study and subtly walked into the study to find his mistress in a dress addressing a man trying to court Katherine. "What a disrespectful man. He is dangerously close to breaking some rules in my opinion." he subtly thought as he watched Victoria tell him off and then ask for his departure.

He chuckled lightly. Then reached for his gun when the man tried to attack his mistress. But she took care of him swiftly and dealt with him easily. "Masterfully done my Mistress. You once more iterated why you are the Overseer to the guards, even your most humble bodyguard." He said, giving a small grin as he followed Victoria to the dining area. He followed her like a smug, happy little dog. But this dog is easily angered whenever she is in danger.

He'd do anything for his mistress. Even jump hurdles for her. But he wouldn't open his heart to her, not unless she asked how much his devotion to her meant. He'd follow her to the end of eternity, come hell or high water. He looked at the other guards present and gave a nod of good morning to them all.

However, he eyed the bluenette with some suspicion. He always wondered what went on in her head. But it wasn't the time or place for it. Victoria was his main priority. He'd follow his orders to the letter. He then noticed the Prince walking in with his dog. He heaved a sigh. Good, most of the royal family was present and accounted for. He simply stood behind his mistress like a shadow. He would remain immobile unless ordered to move, or if an emergency came up.

"Primula, have you made your decision yet?"

"I don't really think that that's any of your business, djävulen."

"Of course it is. You're my daughter, after all. All I want is what's best for you."

Snorting in disbelief, Primula turned to face the glowing mirror, pausing in dressing herself in her daily uniform.

"You and I both know that that's a lie, djävulen. You're nothing but another demon to me - and I don't claim my heritage in any way, shape, or form. I'm nothing like you, and I never will be. You only want me for my powers," she stated bluntly, her intense red eyes narrowing. "Why do you appear to me, anyway? I don't believe for a single second that it was to check in on me, so state your business and go."

The demon in the mirror chuckled, his matching red eyes full of the mischief that only a devil could hold inside himself. He turned slightly, the curling black horns that emerged from his head gleaming in the firelight behind him.

"You know precisely why I've appeared to you, älskade dotter. You've wasted enough time on these frivolous endeavors that you claim to be 'duties'. It's high time that you return home and take your place beneath me on the thrones," the demon bellowed, the mirror shaking slightly.

Primula, however, looked far from impressed by his theatrics, simply lifting her brush to glide it gently through her pretty pink locks.

"You aren't frightening to me, far, and I have my rights as a demon to do whatever I please. You're theatrics aren't going to convince me to return to the underworld, and you have no authority over me. You haven't for the last three hundred years, and you aren't about to gain any now," she said simply, fixating a dull look on the demon in the mirror.

Said demon let out a strangled sound of frustration, once more shaking the mirror.

"One way or another, you're going to return to the underworld. I may not be able to force you to, but I will find a way to bring you back," he snarled. With a large burst of flames, the mirror returned to normal, leaving Primula to stare at herself. Rolling her eyes slightly, she turned away and donned her black stockings and red short boots, snagged the small black, worn leather book that sat on her desk, held closed by a dark, pink ribbon, and placed her ever-present broadsword at her hip, sheathed and shrunken with a sprinkle of a mix of crushed herbs combined with a whispered spell. With a flip of her skirt and a flash of golden light, she slipped underneath the doorway, appearing on the other side in the form of a glowing golden-hued phoenix. Once in the hallway, she flipped in the air, easily reappearing in her human form.

Tilting her head back, Primula sniffed the air slightly. In an instant she caught the whiff of the man that she had sworn her life to. He wasn't far, by any means - the rooms belonging to those that were assigned solely to protect the royal offspring of Victoria and James Vidali were placed as closely to the princes and princesses as possible without making it so that they were constantly walking over one another.

The scent of the beautiful canine that was constantly at the man's side, at least for the past year, flitted into her nostrils, leaving her with a small smile on her lips. Running her fingers across them, she quickly smoothed it away and returned to her normal, placid expression. The dog was definitely a beautiful and loyal creature, and they had been worshiped as the purest form of a companion by the demon race since the dawn of time - hence the myths revolving around hell-hounds. Well, they weren't really myths, seeing as hell-hounds have existed just as long as dogs have been worshiped for.

Tucking the book into her waistband, Rimu took off down the hallway, taking the turns swiftly and yet not running in the slightest.

It didn't take her long to reach the dining hall, and she was instantly greeted with the delicious smells that belonged to the royal kitchen. Pausing outside the doorway to inhale deeply, Rimu practically sighed with the pleasure of the scents. Before her presence could be sensed by the inhabitants of the hall, she slid inside with only soft sound of the air to announce her presence.

In an instant she was behind and to the side of Dante's chair, leaning forward only enough so that her head was beside his, a few inches separating their hair from touching.

"Good morning, Master Dante," she said softly, her voice gentle and tinged slightly with an accent that seemed Swedish. "I trust that you slept well?"

♫ Make It Rain ♫

'My soul huh? Aw I'm touched. And here I thought your only interest was in my body." Aidan smirked at Katherine calling herself a demon. He glanced around, and saw some of the strange looks they were getting from the servants around them, and the looks Katherine was giving the staff. He gave them an apologetic look. "Though I wouldn't call ya a demon. You don't nearly have the superior sense of humor of Prim-de-la-Prim. She appreciates my jokes!" He chuckled. "Though I suppose you aren't that bad, for a half-pint." He teased with a beaming smile.

Once inside the dining hall Katherine began to make herself more comfortable. At her attempts to push him away, as usual. Not that he ever let's her of course. He let out a loud, and exaggerated sigh followed by an equally exaggerated eye roll. "Hmmm.....And leave you without my winning personality, and wonderful smile? Perish the thought your highness! Or should it be......kek......your shortness?!" He followed with a small bit of laughter that ended with a snort. He cleared his throat, and regained his composure. "Admit it, you'd be bored without me. I make your day." He said, and then he playfully ruffled her hair.

Aidan quickly turned into fog before she could do any sort of retaliation, and slinked lowly on the ground across the room. He reformed into a solid mass next to a empty chair near the head of the table. He pulled it out, and motioned for her to seat down. He turned around to face the other royals, and their bodyguards. "Mornin'!" He greeted casually. "So I take it the suitor left huh? How long did this one stay? I had two hours in the pool. How long did you have Dracy?" As he mentioned the pool there were a few servants and guards that visibly grew nervous.

"I guess you could say he wasn't....SUITed for her!" He chuckled slightly. "Sorry, I would've done something, but you how stubborn Kathy here gets. And how antisocial she is." He said as he pointed back at Katherine with his thumb. He then looked between all the royals and their bodyguards. "Well, I'm thinking I'm talking to the wrong crowd about about being social." He chuckled. "Ah well, I'll get those sticks out cha butts some day. In the mean time I'll just have to chip away at you all one amazing joke at a time." He smirked.

"So Dantay, your a dog man right?" He asked with a smile creeping up. "Is every dog you own technically a bloodhound?" He followed with a chuckle that ended in a snort.

"Oh? Is that you offering your body to me?" Her smirk grew, it was simple teasing of course but if anyone heard her say such things she'd surely receive some odd looks of her own. When he commented on how small she is again, she chose to simply ignore him. Though when he mad yet another joke she was tempted to throw a punch or kick his way, but decided against it as to avoid causing a scene. "I'm bored with or without you." She responded without missing a beat, she could never admit to him bringing some small sliver of happiness each day.

"Aidan, I'm perfectly capable of grabbing a chair." She called out once he disappeared and pulled out a chair for her. The princess rolled her eyes as she made her way over to where he stood, sighing before sitting down. "Thank you." Her gratitude was drowned out though by the sound of him saying there was a pool for how long this suitor would stick around for.

"Who else was in on this?!" Of course she had a habit of running away from the suitors brought her but she never anticipated there being any bets placed, much less that someone like Cain could be a part of this. The youngest princess wondered how everyone would react to Aidan addressing others so informally but chose not to say anything unless someone reacted in a negative manner, in which case shed defend her friend.

"In any case, how is everyone doing this fine morning?" Katherine smile but it never matched her gaze, the princess just hoped no one commented on how synthetic her smile truly is.

*Covering her mouth with the palm of her hand while a small chuckle left her lips hearing Aidan antics and smart ass remarks. In front of the royals no less. She felt very out of place in the large dinning hall with everyone around her. The only reason she even got into working for this family was because of her bloodline and the help they gave. Putting her arms behind her she gained her formal composure, stiffing her back. She was new at this formal thing. She normally worked small hits and assassinations. By herself. Looking around the room with her auburn hues she noticed the family members. All of them were beautiful. It was eye catching in the least. Looking down at her watch at the time she inhaled slowly, rubbing the back of her neck. Glancing over at Victoria she slowly snuck out of the room, closing the door behind her quietly. She always hated being in a room full of people. Always made her feel stuck and claustrophobic. Pressing her back up against the door she rubbed the back of her neck, sighing heavily before mumbling to herself. *

"Guns are so much easier then people.."

Cain's eyebrow could only twitch as Mr. Roth spoke. Especially about the gambling pool most of the other guards usually participate in. He heaved a huge sigh as the Dhampir rubbed his nose as Katherine demanded how long it went on. "Ever since Suitor Number 5 the guards were interested in a gambling pool with how many would come and get thrown out."

He couldn't look at his Mistress dead in the face. "And I always politely decline in betting but if you must now, my mistress threw the bugger out in less than 2 minutes and 58 seconds. I also suggest not being so vocal about the Gambling habits you share with some of our guardsmen at the dinner table where my mistress can hear you and is probably planning her scolding as we speak." Cain firmly explained, a part of him actually expecting bloody discipline. However the Eldest didn't seem phased by the gambling and thanked Victoria for her duty of throwing the suitor out.

Cain simply returned to his stoic form, watching the blue haired assassin leave. He still was sure that breakfast wouldn't be interrupted. However, the fourth Vidal wasn't present, so he was wondering what in the devil was the youngest Prince up to.

Schhiinng! The soldiers shuffled backwards as the knight drew out the sword from their companion's newly dead body, mask hiding any expression he might have made. The knight was dressed in chainmail and long flowing robes as pitch black as the night sky, with a horned helm that covered his entire face and protected his head. Standing on top a mountain of bodies, the knight straightened and turned to face the troop of soldiers in front of him. With a simple flourish, he pointed the slender sword at them, blade gleaming silver in the light, dulled only by the fresh blood dripping from it to the ground.

His intentions were clear. Come. Take one more step, and I shall strike you all down.

For a moment, nobody moved, as if they were afraid to step up to the challenge. Then, as if to motivate the rest of them, a soldier shuffled to the front. His eyes were narrowed in determination, as if ready to take on the monstrosity in front of him despite the countless bodies of their dead comrades.

Hands steady, he raised his sword.

The knight jumped off the pile of bodies to the ground. Dashing forwards, he raised the sword with both hands and -

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING."

"AAAGGHH!" Luca screeched as his blanket got pulled away, dislodging his game console from his hands and leaving him exposed against blinding, blinding sunlight. Wincing and squeezing his eyes shut, he groped around blindly for the console, desperately opening his eyes just a smidge to squint at the screen.

It said in bright, colorful letters, 'GAME OVER'.

"NOOOOO! MY GAME!" Luca wailed mournfully, his heart dropping at the sight. Cradling it gently in his hands as if the console were a dead child, he stared down at it in distress before he glared up at the intruder, fake tears gathering at the edges of his eyes. "YOU WRECKED MY HIGHSCORE! YOU'RE MY BODYGUARD, YOU'RE SUPPOSE TO STAND GUARD INSTEAD OF HITTING ME YOURSELF!"

"LIKE I CARE!" Felix yelled back from where he was pinning the curtains up. Crossing his arms, he squared his shoulders and looked down at his boss with an angry glare, obviously not affected by the pitiful figure huddled on the bed in crumpled clothes. “When I went to sleep you promised that'd you'd head to bed too. You even pushed me to my room claiming that you'd be heading to yours after - “go to sleep, I swear I'll complete this tomorrow, go to bed first I'll go to mine later,” you said,” Felix said sarcastically, pitch altered in an identical echo of Luca’s voice. “Then I come to get you for breakfast and I see you still up playing games like an author trying to make the deadline. What the fuck.”

“Wrong!” As if he were finally getting his butt in gear, Luca stood up on the bed, towering over Felix with intimidating height. The effect was ruined by a crumpled purple shirt and the bags on his eyes that was all the signs he showed of late night gaming, although the haughty look he shot Felix nearly overshadowed that. “This was important, my dear Assistant,” Lucas said condescendingly, ignoring how the snooty tone only made Felix’s eyebrows twitch more in annoyance and his hands tightening on the clothes he was holding, as if restraining the urge to throw them at Luca’s face. Swiftly pressing a few buttons on the game console he was holding in his hands, Luca crept off the bed gracefully before shoving it not so gracefully close to Felix’s face. The teen leant back away from the device with a scowl of distaste. He shot a glare at Luca before looking properly at the screen.

He tilted his head, frown turning from Pissed Off (with capital letters) to confused. Then his eyes widened with realisation. Luca grinned at the look of utter disbelief on his face. “I should have known,” Felix groaned, fist tightening on the clothing he was holding. “I should've known that -”

“No matter, my dear guard!” Luca yelled victoriously, pleased that Felix finally, finally got it. Lifting the console into the air as if he were wielding a trophy, Luca grinned unrepentantly at Felix, who was giving him a look that said Really? Really?? What the hell is wrong with you? “Gasp in awe, for I have accomplished the quest! Although it has taken me much toil and trouble, although it has given me much grief - although not as much work as you would have taken, thanks to my genius intellect - I have saved the Princess Andromedia from the clutches of despair!” True to word, the image of a chibi blonde princess was on the screen, clutching a wand. “Look at the glorious award, shining like a gem which has been uncovered from the depths of the earth! Stare in wonder at its glorious shine, the unlocked character!” He gestured dramatically at the cartoonish figures that made up his game party on the console, looking entirely serious. “See how they smile, celebrating my perfect score! And well they should, for even these small pieces of pixelated data are sentient enough to understand that I, as their hero, am their glorious savior whom they can never hope to catch up to, and so they pay their respects to my perfect self and bask in my PERFECTION!”

There was a beat of silence. Luca grinning proudly as if he were waiting for applause. Felix on the other hand looked as if he were considering several answers, most of which involved violence and insults. Then:

“You -”

“FURTHERMORE!” Luca interrupted dramatically, raising a fist in triumph, “I have yet to break my promise, for look!” He gestured theatrically at himself and the bed he was standing on. “I said I went to bed, and I am on the bed! nd I did complete this quest tomorrow - which is today! All for the sake of the beautiful princess in this pitiful ga-”

“Oh God shut up.” A bundle of freshly pressed clothing landed against Luca’s face with a soft interrupting his rant. Quickly bringing up his hands to cup them under his chin, he caught them gracefully before the items could fell to the floor. Looking up, he was just in time to see Felix draw the curtains and adding extra shine to the room, a small furrow to his brows as always. “Get dressed already - we’re late to breakfast, you idiotic gaming geek.”

--------------------
Dress scene later
------------------

Luca burst through the doors to the living room with a flourish, taking a moment to see who was inside before heading for the table. The young man was dressed impeccably in a V-neck shirt and long dark trousers, with a snazzy black jacket thrown on top. He no longer looked like he had pulled an all nighter - his hair was artfully mussed and styled in its usual casual mess, and the small dark bags underneath his eyes had been covered over with concealer. Following behind him at a more casual pace was Felix, who was dressed casually yet neatly in a white dress shirt and jeans, with a red sweater tied loosely around his waist. They made their way towards the table, Felix staying just a few steps behind his boss and giving everyone a nod of greeting.

They were just in time to hear the tailing end of the conversation. “Oh, the fifth one?” Felix asked in surprise as he grabbed his own seat, plate piled high with food. ”I thought it was the sixth - the one who had to leave drenched in water and ragged pants." he frowned thoughtfully, recalling his bet.

Felix clicked his tongue in irritation as he remembered, shovelling a spoonful of food into his mouth. “I guessed three minutes twenty-three seconds for this one. Damn.” He looked at Aiden curiously, swallowing around the mouthful of food. “Who won this time?” he asked in a louder tone this time, blatantly ignoring that the person they were betting on was in the room and in hearing shot.

Meanwhile, Luca was loading up on food. Plate piled high, he waltzed towards his siblings with a dazzling smile. “Good morning, siblings! Is the food to your liking? It smells delicious!”

Placing his plate on a spare spot, Luca came to a halt beside Katherine, throwing an arm loosely around her shoulders. “So you have found out about the bet, I see!” He said casually, as if he had known about it all along. It wouldn’t be surprising if he had been the one who started the gambling in the first place. Beaming at her, there was an extra sparkle in his eye that would have alerted anyone who knew him to the storm that was coming.

“Do not fret, dearest sister!” He said, tightening the one-armed hug for a moment. He waved his hand expansively at the guards. “These guards are not to be blamed, for they are congratulating you on your efficiency in dispatching the men that Uncle has sent in his efforts for you to find true love! As he does with me, but with women! The last girl fled in 5 minutes and 46 seconds, by the way,” He directed at Aiden abruptly. “She was remarkably resilient, but true love did not happen, much to Uncle’s distress.” From the way Luca was grinning, pleased and somewhat predatory, it was clear that he had intentionally driven her away. Then he turned back to Katherine, who he had let go sometime in that rant. ”He bemoans about the call of duty to the family, but it is he who does not understand! They might be beautiful flowers, with voluptuous bodies and sweet voices, but they are just too pitiful for me to marry.” He sighed with an air of clearly fake affront, although there was a hint of genuine annoyance as well. “Their beauty pales in the face of my perfection. Looks, brains, physical ability - until I meet someone who can best me in all three, I will not accept them - and it is unlikely that any shall appear, for there is nobody who can overcome my excellence in all these areas!”

Did he mean what he said? Nope. Mere exaggeration to make it as pompous as possible, for people to laugh at. Luca was good, but it required a lot of hard work to be that good, and he had no doubt that he was not perfect in everything, try as he can. But did he look like he was utterly confident and believed in what he was saying? A bit too much for anyone who worried about the inflated state of Luca’s ego.

“Ah, but it is not about me this time, Katherine. It is about you.” Luca stood up to his full height, gesturing as he spoke with apparent seriousness.

“He has clearly misjudged your tastes, for the suitors he guides to your waiting hand leave in sadness, honor besmirched, neatened hair aflamed, body ragged and drenched with tears of pain and sorrow!” It was impossible to tell whether he meant it as a compliment or as an insult. “Ah, they even leave in pieces sometimes. But that merely proves your beauty, dearest sister, for look! No matter how much you yell at them, humiliate them, destroy their bodies by breaking their bones and threats of more, men still flock to you, determined to win your hand! You are the light that shines, attracting these poor moths for incineration, and we enjoy seeing them burn by your hand. Why else would they hold such an entertaining wager?”

Throughout all of the scuffle with the outbreak of the secret that was the gambling pool placed on Katherine's love-life, Victoria merely sat back and watched quietly, occasionally returning her fork to her plate to cut a sausage in half, before returning it thoughtfully to her rosy lips.

"Ever since Suitor Number 5 the guards were interested in a gambling pool with how many would come and get thrown out. And I always politely decline in betting but if you must now, my mistress threw the bugger out in less than 2 minutes and 58 seconds. I also suggest not being so vocal about the Gambling habits you share with some of our guardsmen at the dinner table where my mistress can hear you and is probably planning her scolding as we speak."

The Mistress, in question, simply remained stoic in expression, observing the situation.

She would be lying if she said that she hadn't known about the gambling pool, and while it was mostly centered around Katherine's inability to get along with or even show up to the greeting with the men, a good portion - she would estimate about ninety-nine percent - of the time, Victoria herself was involved. It was part of her duties as one of her younger siblings' guardians.

She would also be lying if she denied having involved herself in the betting process.

After Luca whisked in, theatrics and all following him, she endured his flamboyancy for the duration of his little 'show' before finally returning her fork to the table. Lifting her nap to her lips, she cleared her throat slightly but just loud enough for it to be heard in the room. The guards stationed along the walls fell silent and turned their attention to her, their stances weary, obviously having anticipated her interruption to place a harsh fist upon them with punishment.

A few seconds of tenseness ticked by, during which time the guards slowly began to squirm with anxiety. Finally, Victoria slid her chair back slightly and rose, setting her napkin beside her plate. When she reached into the small red purse that sat in her seat, she removed a small white ticket with a number written on it. Slapping it down on the table, her expression hidden in the shadows, she announced with a clear voice.

"I bet three minutes and one second. I win."

Lifting her head, she had a cocky, beaming smile on her face, her aqua eyes sparkling with the mischief of someone who loved the people that she was surrounded by.

At the loud groans and sighs of relief that drifted from the guards along the wall, she giggled and slightly covered her lips with her finger tips, feigning innocence.

"Why, my dearest apologies my good soldiers. I didn't realize that I was be able to get so close to my own guess," she grinned. After laughing once more and slowly settling to a sigh, Victoria turned her glittering gaze to her sister's.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. It was a lot of fun betting on how quickly I'd be able to throw him out this time. If we can't laugh at ourselves, what can we do?" she asked.

---

The events that followed her entrance and arrival at her Lords side were neither entertaining nor amusing. Instead, Rimu allowed her striking gaze to study the interior of the room, looking for anything out of place in the impressive dining hall. When she found nothing to be amiss, she darted her eyes over to a slight movement nearby, just barely catching a glimpse of blue disappearing through a door way. Knowing it was Raven, and although she did trust the girl to an extent, she turned slightly and took a step after her, her intent to follow the woman. It was Dante's voice that had her pausing and looking slightly over her shoulder back at him.

"Good morning Katherine. I hear that another of uncle's men left disappointed. I will speak with him this evening and try and convince him to cease his attempts. We all know that the Vidali name must continue but I do not understand his rush. You will meet someone one day whom you will choose to share your life with but until then he will have to learn patience."

So does that mean that some day ... You'll find someone you will want to share your life with, too, Dante?

Blinking at the thought, Primula felt her cheeks warm with a slight blush, and she attempted to force it away. Curling her fingers in and out repeatedly at her side, a nervous tick she had, she joined Dante back at his side.

Why had she thought such a thing? And what was the odd stirring she felt in the pit of her stomach - one that wasn't quite fear, but she also couldn't place a name to?

Flicking her eyes down to Dante and then back to the wall straight ahead, she attempted to slow the rapidness with which she was curling her fingers.

"Thank you Victoria for dealing with things this morning, though you know that you could have had my assistance if you had needed it."

Primula looked over at the poised young woman in question, welcoming the distraction from her thoughts. Thank the Gods that Dante could only sense emotions and not read another's thoughts.

She felt a slight smirk twitch at the corners of her lips when Victoria finally responded. The sounds of relief that echoed behind her nearly broke her resolve of a stoic demeanor, but she held steadfast, instead groaning slightly at her loss. It was a pretty penny that she had bet, and she had just barely been beaten by the eldest daughter with her own guess of three minute and eight seconds.

There went her book store budget of the week.

Glancing over at the immense and ancient grandfather cock that sat in one corner, Primula once more bent at the hips to rest her head at a hover a few inches above Dante's shoulder.

"My lord, I hate to be a bother, but due to your late awakening, you're a bit rushed for time this morning. We need to leave the dining hall in five minutes in order to make it on time to your meetings, so I would recommend finishing her breakfast and readying yourself for departure," she murmured softly, her voice soothing to the ear, as was common for demons.

A heavy sigh escaped the young vampire's lips. "Good morning Dante, Luca." Last thing she wanted was for her siblings to treat as a child when she was just as powerful as him. "Don't worry about it Dante, I'll speak to our Uncle. He wants to establish himself and remain in our favor. Though I don't know why he insists on sending suitors when I won't be marrying anyone." She spoke as if she were bored and really she was.

"I apologize for making you deal with that this morning Victoria, I assumed he would've just gotten the hint and left but I guess he was as persistent as our uncle. In any case, I'll just punish Aidan for his gambling later." She teased, a smirk replacing the synthetic smile she had.

"Victoria, perhaps your right, what else can we do if we can't laugh at ourselves? Oh that's right have our annual old-fashioned ball for our lovely friends and distant relatives. Uncle is planning to visit here and insists we have our annual ball early. He believes it's a chance for us to gain favor with our fellow vampires and other supernatural beings." She droned on, recalling the letter their uncle sent just two days ago, informing her of his plans for another suitor to come meet her. It more than likely was a bombshell for her siblings but the young princess thought it was now her turn to have some fun and surprise them with some news.

"Our uncle shall be here by tomorrow, I assume we can pull together our party by tomorrow night."

♫ Make It Rain ♫

A idan smiled slightly as he watched the assassin, Raven, laugh at his jokes. At least someone appreciated good humor. He watched her carefully, seeing how uncomfortable she was. It was something that he saw lot growing up around orphans. Though his attention was quickly taken away by Luca's ever flamboyant entrance. "Yeah, sorry Lucy, I don't put money on your love life, not nearly as much fun without the inevitable temper tantrum." He snickered as he pointed his thumb towards Katherine. As Luca went on about what he's looking for, someone as 'perfect' as him, Aidan couldn't help but roll his eye. "Well, I suppose humility is a overrated virtue." Aidan smirked with a slightly smug look on his face.

Having been Katherine's guard for little over two years now, Aidan still isn't quite sure what to make of Luca, though if there's one thing he can say about him, it's that he at least keeps things interesting. Even if those predatory grins of his gives him the creeps. "Yes, having beautiful people fawn over you must be such a pain. However do you deal with it?" Aidan asked in a sarcastic tone. "Guess some of us are lucky enough not to have that burden." He added with a somewhat snippy tone. Aidan would be lying if he said that when someone well off complained about their difficulties, even if it was jokingly, didn't bother him a little bit.

As Luca continued on about why they held the bets Aidan couldn't help but look extremely disinterested. "For the record I only made the bets for shits and giggles." There was a slight gasp from a servant due to his language in front of the royal family, not that he paid any mind to it. He's used to the looks he gets for his lax behavior when around his betters. But he's just being who he is, and he sees nothing wrong with that, keeps everybody on the level. "And the occasional pompous ass-hat that I get to throw out personally."

With Victoria mentioning that she had won the bet, and that she had thrown out the suitor herself Aidan glared at her. "I call shenanigans! You cheated! That just takes the sport out of it!" He pouted slightly as he crossed his arms. "Fine. I didn't want to win anyways." He muttered, along with a series of inaudible curses under his breath.

Aidan chuckled slightly at Katherine's promise to punish him. "Geez Kat, give a guy that much attention and people might get the wrong idea." He teased with a beaming smile. When she brought up the formal event Aidan let out a sigh. "Well I guess I'll have to break out the formal eye-patch." He smirked, following it with a hearty laugh that ended in a snort. Though he might joke about it but Aidan hates these formal gatherings. Mostly due to him having to wear formal wear. Even if he looks great in a suit, it's just not his style.

"So another suitor is coming? Oh that's clever! With him being there to make sure you give the guy the time of day.....er night. Whatever." He said as he rubbed an imaginary beard on his face. He looked over at Katherine with a sympathetic smile. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and leaned down closer to her. "No worries, I'm ready to play the knight in shining armor that rescues the damsel if you need it." He whisper in her ear. Though whispering is rather pointless, given how most of them have enhanced hearing. But he still wanted to make sure she knew he had her back.