Private The Prince and the Principled

[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

The Swan's words still lingered in Aurelian's mind, yet they hadn't wounded him. Cruelty, pragmatism, whispers behind thrones, these were old tricks to him, making for entertaining ink but little substance. Still, Naboo's society devoured the column, and he knew well how easily perception could be manipulated with a turn of phrase. He always read it all, even when he had to wear a mask of amusement.

He sat in a riverside restaurant, the paper spread across his table, a pot of steaming tea at his elbow. The "Future Regents Dinner" was noted in the corner of his papers, a detail he kept circling mentally. Dominic Praxon , had won the bid to enjoy his company. Aurelian dreaded it. Men like Praxon never sought true companionship in these events, they wanted leverage, or worse, absolution by proximity. To be seen with Aurelian Veruna meant sharing in his light, his danger, his controversial name. Praxon wanted something specific, Aurelian was certain, and he would be ready.

He raised his cup, the bitter tea cutting through his wandering thoughts, and let his gaze drift out over the river. Afternoon light rippled across the water, gilding the stone bridges and strolling figures with a painter's grace. That's when he saw her.

Loria Sorelle entered, radiating an elegant composure, moving with the practiced serenity. House Sorelle, if he remembered correctly, championed the arts, the stage, the salons where polite applause held more weight than power. Their paths had seldom crossed. She was his age, yet always kept her distance, appearing too kind, or perhaps too guarded, to risk the dangerous sharpness that shadowed him. He wondered if she had been actively avoiding him, or simply, like many others, had been frightened.

Aurelian's lips curved into that dangerous smile, the one that left people wondering if they were being invited or ensnared. How convenient. Praxon's sanctimony was a dull weapon, but if Loria could be coaxed or influenced for information, she might make the upcoming ordeal far less tedious.

He neatly folded the paper and set it aside. When she glanced his way, he lifted a hand, beckoning her toward the empty chair opposite him. Surely she wouldn't refuse, few ever did when the Prince summoned them.

"Lady Sorelle," his voice smooth as silk. "What fortune, to find you here. Come, join me."

The smile lingered, sharp and unreadable. He wasn't entirely sure yet what information he wanted from her. But he would find out. He always did.

Loria Sorelle​

 

[Loria Sorelle]

LORIA SORELLE
Riverside Restaurant, Naboo

The quiet hum of the restaurant filled the air. Quiet tapping of cutlery and the gentle rings of glassware and fine Nabooian ceramic offered a sense of familiarity and comfort to patrons. Warm light filtered through the restaurant, only interrupted by stone columns and busy staff.

Loria had intended for a quiet afternoon by the river. A book sat nestled in her arms as she meandered into the restaurant. Her eyes gently glossed over the patrons of the restaurant as she made her way further inside- walking comfortably and with a degree of confidence that one could only achieve with familiarity.

Moments passed before she stopped in her tracks, her soft eyes locking on to a familiar sight: Aurelian. A soft, polite smile tugged at the corner of her lips as her heart fluttered nervously, glancing at his beckoning hand; Her direction changed towards him, convention prompting her to accept his invitation.

'Prince Veruna,' she spoke softly, her warm voice barely carrying over the noise of the restaurant. 'A pleasure to meet you, at last,' she began, moving to take a seat across from the Prince as a host nearby moved quickly to seat her. 'Thank you,' she mouthed quietly as he skittered off.

'Last I saw you, you were bidding at the Calarian Estate, I believe?' she continued, placing her book down face-first onto the table in-front of her, almost as if to hide the cover.

She watched as Aurelian's gaze hovered over her, his sharp smile holding as she made herself comfortable. Usually, she was a good judge of character, yet Aurelian appeared to allude her. Whether it be a result of her own nerves, or whether he be adept as masking his own emotions, she'd never know.

All she could do was offer her own smile back. Oddly, the two never crossed paths, though she suspected she only had herself to blame for until recently she had much enjoyed the pleasure of her own company and her close friends. It wasn't until the auction that Loria had made her first public appearance on her own, representing the Sorelle family and taking her first real steps into the public image.

After a few moments her lips pursed, unsure what to say or where to take the conversation with the Prince. And she was equally unsure as to why her company was sought after from a nobleman such as Aurelian...

Aurelian Veruna

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[Aurelian Veruna]

X | X​

Aurelian's gaze sharpened the moment she approached him. He watched her walk with quiet composure, the book cradled close, her polite smile showing a faint tremor of nerves. This was interesting. Most people tried to mask their discomfort around him, pretending at confidence as if they could match his danger. Loria, on the other hand, let her nerves show at the edges. That made her easier to read, or perhaps harder, because sincerity was so rare in these circles it almost looked like a disguise.

He rose slightly as she arrived, offering a gesture that was part courtesy, part calculation. His hand, light against the back of her chair, guided her down with ease before he sat back down. The scent of spiced tea lingered in the air between them, sharp and warming all at once.

His smile lingered, dangerous yet deliberate. "The pleasure is mine. You seem to have adapted to our Royal circles quickly, though I confess, I'm very curious. Where have you been hiding all this time?"

He let the words hang, not pressing for an answer, just letting them coil in the air as he leaned back in his chair. One leg crossed neatly over the other, his hands folded with casual elegance, as if they had all the time in the world. He lifted his cup once more, brushing the porcelain against his lips as his eyes never left her face. A silence stretched, deliberate, testing. He had found that most people revealed more by trying to fill it than they ever would under interrogation.

When he finally spoke again, his tone had lightened, playful, but with enough weight to remind her who he was. "Ah, yes, the Calarian Estate. I did enjoy that evening. Ravion certainly knows how to dress a garden, though my attention was only on the bidding floor." A memory curved his lips, though his eyes carried a sharper glint. "I won a piece that evening, something I have very particular plans for."

The smile sharpened further. He let her wonder for a heartbeat, then inclined his chin toward the book she had quickly placed face-down on the table.

"And you, my lady? Did you win anything worth mentioning?" His tone dipped into intrigue, with the faintest tease. "Perhaps a book? I notice you keep yours turned away, as if it holds more mystery than the auction itself."

His eyes dropped to the hidden cover, then rose back to hers, studying her expression. She fascinated him, not for her lineage or looks, but for the way she seemed to walk a fine line between timidity and resolve. He wondered if she would retreat, or if she might surprise him by stepping closer into his web.

Either way, Aurelian Veruna would know soon enough. He always did.

Loria Sorelle​