Proteggere la libertà

Dante Acconcio|| Kingsguard || Italy || Twenty-five

[dantexacconcio-blog]

tzardimitri:

Looking at the man for a moment the Tzar shook his head, “We are nearly all enemies. I have had men killed at the order of nearly every King or Duke in that room. And I have done the same to them.” The man seemed to understand at least a bit of what he was saying. “Forgetting about politics is impossible without the overindulgence. Anything could happen. One of us could turn weapon on each other and who would know who’d done it? Not a soul.” Not that he had any reason to turn a weapon to the man, but with Dimitri’s temper it was quite possible he already had at some point.

Slowly walking toward the railing, Dante leaned his arms against it, eyes glancing over the darkness of the gardens. The man didn’t even seem to try to hide his identity, as far as status and class went. Or his previous actions. He could give him that  - honesty - but that wasn’t always a good choice given the circumstances. “That means everyone here is on the same page. War has been ravaging through the countries, taking men, women and children alike. Everyone lost count of their losses. Some have lost more than just soldiers on the battlefield.” His eyes briefly glanced at the masked King - Duke, or whatever royalty the man actually was. “True, Sire. I admit, that I am not quite comfortable in a room of masked, possibly armed, people either. It is risky and an attack could so easily be planned. Though, maybe that is the point of tonight. Trust and respect,”

[dantexacconcio-blog]

louisxvalentino:

“It’s the only way I care to put it. I let you go alone the entire castle may end up in flames.” Louis did want to escape this party but he also wanted to keep Dante from another bout of satisfaction in getting the blond to agree with him again. “Masks always cause trouble.” he muttered walking with the other man, half way being pushed there. He did have a point, the two of them were armed, other people had surly thought of the same idea. “Of course others did, if we thought of it I swear there are even greater paranoid Kings that are carrying blades with them.” He shook his head but was enjoying the idea that he could find something to do other than stand around. Where Louis spent much of his time staying with the King Dante had become more of a Queens guard when Taytu became their queen. “I in no way disagree with you. I have not seen our King. Perhaps he has already taken some other girl to his chambers.” Better to give their queen a rest.

“You can be so dramatic.” Dante patted the others back with a chuckle as they pushed through the crowd of people. The masks were extremely unnerving and although they were, most probably, just paranoid or stuck in their line of duty, Louis was right. The grin disappeared, a brow cocked as his glance was directed at the other guard. “What could possibly go wrong when a bunch of paranoid Kings wield a blade in a packed ballroom with only the small issue of peace on the line?” He muttered, a loud sigh leaving his lips. Few people did deserve the treatment the Queen was exposed to and it almost felt like a conflict of interest. That wasn’t the justice or freedom most sought and Dante was almost glad to be serving the Queen most of the time rather than their King. “As long as she’s getting some time off, I’m sure she’s the last one to mind.”

[dantexacconcio-blog]

tzardimitri:

Standing out on the balcony Dimitri looked back into the ballroom through the window. “Trust in a room full of enemies in masks is a large request.” He spoke as the door to the balcony opened. He had to get away and this was the only place he’d been alone so far. 

Taking a step outside, glad and thankful for the cool breeze brushing over his heated skin, Dante looked up in surprise. He hadn’t expected anyone outside, as everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves inside. “Enemies is one way to put it. It is supposed to be a sign of peace, but I have to agree that it is a risky one. It is, however, protected enough to be safe. I’m sure aside from the usual overeager consumer of wine, there won’t be a problem tonight. Besides, I do believe the request was not to trust each other but to forget about politics for a moment and bring up some general respect, no?”

[dantexacconcio-blog]

viviennehapsburg:

“Well that appears to be your job, so I can understand.” She joked but shook her head at his offer. “No, thank you, but no. She’s a big girl and she’s a lot more cautious than me so I know she’ll be fine. I just worry about the people I care for more than I should.” She reassured him. It was only when she thought of Adri that she let herself remember how volatile all of this was. How everyone in this room hinged on how well kings could swallow their pride. It wasn’t ever that easy either.

“I tripped, not ran into you on purpose. Apparently that would seem as If you’re the trouble magnet, my dear Dante.” She replied, returning his smile as she shook her head. She let her arm wrap around her waist to grab the wrist of the hand on her hip, listening as he spoke, her eyes on his lips. “Well it appears that you have thought of absolutely everything, it’s good I’ve found you if things go wrong tonight. I’ll be well protected. Don’t say that. I think we both know they chose this dress because of all the idle kitchen gossip.” She told him. She pulled in a deep breath of the air, it stinging her lungs a little but not enough to discourage it. She felt the laughter before it slipped from her lips. “I don’t have a death wish, Hascha.” The endearment slipped off her tongue without her really registering it. “I didn’t say when the next time would be. I’ve learned my lesson and much prefer to wait until it is warm enough to go for a swim. But that pub brawl doesn’t sound so bad. I used to fight when I was a child, though it was only fists and never tankards of ale.” She teased him back. It was easy with Dante, this banter. The feeling like he understood her even when she sounded like a spoiled brat. She loved that he didn’t berate her for her actions, just merely gave her safer alternatives. She felt the blush spread across her face and down her chest, without the mask there it was highly visible. “You are correct that it wouldn’t be appropriate, but even then, who would ever know? I haven’t forgotten, those were quite memorably chivalrous.” She whispered, the cool breeze a little colder against her flushed skin. She looked up as he brushed the hair behind her ear and offered him a smile. 

“I didn’t tell you because it didn’t seem important, but my brother asked me to speak about peace to Dimitri. His price was my hand in marriage and I told him no.” She turned, lifting herself to sit on the railing so she was facing him. “I know Dimitri, and I know that me telling him no will only make him more determined. So I know he’ll go to my brother directly and my brother will give him whatever he asks for.”

"Alright, I trust your judgment. The offer stands, though." His smile briefly faltered to make sure he got the message. The last thing he wished for was her worrying about her sister in any way. It was supposed to be a fun night, not one of thoughts. At least for some. Scoffing, Dante shook his head at the young princess, a wide smile full of innocence on his face as he turned his head toward the cool breeze running over them. "I am no such thing! I, if anything, find trouble. I don't just wait for it to arrive, so you are quite a refreshment. Unfortunately, that is to be taken literally. My toes are still stiff from that lake." Dante said jokingly, feigned a trembling of his lip, for once that evening, not caring about a thing. She was easy. Made sense. He didn't have to watch his mouth or actions, could share his opinions and views without facing judgment for being so...naive at times. Though his nativity shouldn't be mistaken for ignorance. It was the last bit of hope for humanity that he clung to desperately.

"We all devoted ourselves to something or someone. My job is to protect, they didn't allow me to bring anything official so I had to improvise just in case. This all...could go horribly wrong. You are, do not worry. I wouldn't let anything happen to you, Vi. Hm? Kitchen gossip? What are they saying?" Head tilted aside, the amusement clear as day on half of his face, the mask pushed up his face to rest on top of his head. The chatting of the ongoing attendants of the party were loud and joyful, to be heard even from outside. His eyes briefly glanced at the silhouettes peeking through the heavy curtains. In surprise, he let his gaze wander toward her again, confused at the nickname she had called him by. “Hascha? What does that mean? Doesn’t sound german.” His hands both supported his weight as he pushed himself further from the railing, lower lip pulled in between his teeth. She always managed to surprise him. Little details, things he wouldn’t expect of a lady supposedly proper and to be a Queen at some given point. “Well, summer is coming soon. I highly doubt we will be still here by that time. Think of me when summer has arrived in Germany, will you? Oh, it isn’t just tankards of ale. Everything is allowed. Fists, chairs, other people as far as you can throw them.” Of course, there would be no such thing. Dante had little impulse control, but bringing Vi into a situation like that was the last of his intentions. Harm, would be the last thing he would want for her. Yet, the thought of it was quite amusing in itself. Lowering his eyes chuckling, Dante took a step toward her, closer, hand that had previously rested on the side of her face dropped toward her hips. Steadying her on the railing as he sighed softly. “No one would ever know, no. No one would ever know if we just slipped out of this party for a while either, would they?”

“So he’s forcing you into a marriage with the Russian Tzar against your will. Vi, how is that not important? I-” He shut his lips, pressed into a thin line. She was right. It wasn’t important. What could he have possibly done to help? Nothing. He was but an overly ambitious farm boy. She was on eye level with him, helped by the railing providing leverage and diminishing the usually great height difference. His sigh was heavy, eyes dropping toward the spot his thumbs rested on. Brushing over red material, right above her ribs. “You deserve better than that, Vi. Choices.” 

[dantexacconcio-blog]

empresslee:

Lee Mi could see the slight discomfort due to the girls and refer her attention to him once again. “Thank you..” She gave an small smile, understanding slightly of what he had spoken of her attire. She could tell that it was quite awkward for the conversation between them, but he was trying and that meant a lot to Lee Mi. It was helping her to learn more words as she could go, or at least to pick out the ones she understood. “I.. Ah, I… need a drink.” She grinned - disregarding the drink she was already holding in hand as she would move from him toward the table that held pastries and drinks to the brim.

“Where are you from?” Dante asked, a mixture of broken french he had picked up from the swiss french spoken as well as his own mother tongue. He hadn’t had the chance to learn any languages aside from Italian, not that he needed them anyway. Drink. That, he certainly knew, though. Whether she had asked him to join her or not, he wasn’t sure. This was all new to him. He had watched these events from afar, but never quite had the interest to actually listen. As long as no one drew weapons or fought, it really didn’t matter. Hesitantly, the swordsman followed the young woman, hands resting behind his back out of habit. “My apologies, I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Dante Acconcio, Milady.”

[feo-mikhailov-blog]

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[dantexacconcio-blog]

feo-mikhailov:

A delicious feeling of familiar thrill snaked its way down Feo’s spine as she nodded pleasantly and gratefully at the two footmen who were opening the tall and heavy doors of the grand royal ballroom. Upon entering, she was struck with awe for a moment as she took in the grandeur of the artistic way the ballroom had been decorated in honor of tonight’s event. “My, my,  the Swiss really know how to set up a beautiful party,”she thought to herself, impressed at their work.

As she touched her mask to make sure it was fasten securely around her face, her strong feelings of excitement she had earlier, overwhelmed her again making her think of the deliciously playful scheme she was about to play out right now. For tonight, she wasn’t going to be Feo Mikhailov, princess of Russia and Queen of Norway. No, tonight she was going to become Senorita Eléna Montero, a fictional, entertaining and slightly mysterious high-ranking noblewoman and if she were to hold a conversation long enough with someone, for them to persistently bombard her with questions as to guess her real identity, oh well, she knew a fair deal  about Spain,  to concoct a vague story of being a long-widowed  Duquesa of some kind. And it certainly didn’t hurt that she had the uncanny ability to disguise her voice as well as imitate her favorite accents of languages she was fluent in. An ability, she had since she was a young girl and which she had perfected over the years, which had greatly aided her when she opted to engage in crafty or mischievous plans which required her to be in disguise. 

Tonight, she’d finally been able to engage in some good old-fashioned fun of going under another identity. A fun which was limited somewhat recently due to her attempts at trying to be on her best behavior possible as a Queen. She had greatly decreased down her impulsive schemes of late (unless it was for a good cause) although she was still frequently engaging in playful acts, to humor, entertain or just to be able to bring a smile to the faces to people she cared about in the Norwegian court as well as the Norwegian citizens whom she had come to love as much as the people of her home country. But tonight, no one should be able to recognise her, she hoped. Oh well, her siblings might if they recognized her costume from 10 years ago. Her husband most definitely might, as well, after he managed to recognize her lower facial structure, her usual glowing smile and her curves. (well, she couldn’t very well stop smiling for the whole night now, could she?) and if she were to give enough credit, a few people other people closest to her might eventually recognize her as well if they were in her presence long enough. “BUT nobody else should!”she vowed silently to herself, as she really wanted to have a really fun night.

Feeling slightly giddy with excitement and already earning curious stares over her outfit of choice as well as the well-made, fake angel wings attached to her back, Feodora walked forward confidently amongst the mass of crowd of people in the room. Looking around to see if she could recognize her beloved husband, she suddenly spotted  a masked man pouring a tiny vial of liquid into a goblet of red wine, and walking charmingly towards an elegantly costumed lady. Thinking quickly, Feo turned and walked speedily into the opposite direction of the ill-intentioned man. Calculating her timing and angle perfectly, she suddenly pretended to wobble on her feet, causing her to sway and grab hard at the man’s shoulder for support  and thus making him react wildly in shock as well as drop the golden iron goblet, spilling it’s contents all over the floor as it clanged loudly.

“Oh lo siento mucho , Señor!!   Please, PLEASE,  accept my humble apologies, milord.  Mi tobillo! My anke!.It is not very strong at times. Please pardon my clumsiness!!” she exclaimed apologetically,  putting on an ashamed and shocked face. The irate man looked as though he might launch into an angry tirade right there and then, but thought the better of it, as he glanced at the small crowd of people who were watching the sudden commotion. Thus, he merely just grumbled bad-naturedly before departing the scene. 

“It was an accident!” she exclaimed in self-defense, she looked with a pretended half-embarassed face at the people who were still staring. “Por favor, do continue with your activities,”she pleaded with a charming smile. “Although, does anyone have a piece of cloth I could use, please?”she asked loudly, slightly dismayed as she noticed a stain of red wine on her right hand silk glove.

No amount of expensive wine could possibly make due for the amount of, well, anxiety present in the young Italian. Now, Dante enjoyed having a few drinks at pubs, loud and crowded ones where he could laugh as loud as possible and have a bit of a brawl every now and then. He enjoyed company of all sorts and gatherings to a degree. However, when his job was to protect the King and Queen, yet everyone was masked and could possibly be of ill intent, that was a whole new story. Especially since he hadn’t been allowed to bring his sword and had to settle for more...concealed weaponry. 

He hadn’t really given the ball too much thought. Someone had offered him a costume and a mask and that had been it. There was no fake name or fake language he spoke, didn’t hide that he was no royalty when someone spoke to him. His night, mostly, consisted of watching and drinking, praying to the Lord it would all be over soon with no major occurrences. Even his feet hurt from the shiny new boots that were so unlike the ones he usually wore. Comfortable, adjusted to his feet and more than practical when it came to long travels or running. The whole ordeal was so far out of his comfort zone, he rather would be attending a long parade where all he had to do was stay aside, keep his chin up and be ready to jump into action at any given time. In the middle of the Italian summer, in the sun with three layers of leather, sweating the life out of himself. 

Lifting the wine to his lips, dark - nearly black - eyes wandered through the crowd of joyful attendants. Everything seemed fine. That was until his glance landed on a man nervously pouring a tiny vial into a masked lady’s cup. “Pardon me.” He muttered softly as the swordsman pushed his way through the crowd, attention on the man whose hands swiftly hid the glass bottle beneath his coat again. The crowd tightened, making it harder for him to push past them as another woman approached the couple. The goblet fell to the ground with a loud clanging, spilling its contents on the mans so carefully polished shoes. 

The tightly pressed lips immediately curled into a grin - she must’ve noticed him too. Nothing about her tumbling had seemed accidental, nor a shock genuine of a woman that was embarrassed and, possibly, just spilled wine all over a King for all she knew. Dante squeezed through the last line of the crowd that had gathered around the incident, watching closely as the man trotted off, grumbling to himself in a language he didn’t speak. He reached into his belt, pulled out a decorative cloth he, really, had no use for as he stepped closer toward the Spanish woman. He made it an act of taking a large step over the puddle, barely able to hide the grin on his face as the crowd went back to their joyful activities. With a lowering of his head, an amused glint in his eyes, Dante held out his hand for hers. “May I?” He asked, holding up the cloth. “Smart, good reaction. Señorita. Are you alright? Or does your ankle hurt?”  The amusement was evident in his voice, dark orbs shifting from her hand to her face, head ever so lightly tilted aside.

[dantexacconcio-blog]

taytuu:

It was clear to her that she would stick out, there was no denying that. She’d chosen a gown as close to an Ethiopian one as she could find, the accessories were all her own as well. But tonight no one could tell her she had to change. No one was going to tell her who to be. Stepping into the room a bright smile was on her face. “This… is amazing.”

Certainly, finding the Queen wasn’t as hard of a task as Dante had initially thought it to be. She had stayed true to her home, certainly denied the Italian Ladies in waiting the various, more Italian dresses they would have offered. And thus far, there was no sight of the King yet, maybe one of the few chances she would get to enjoy herself fully. He made his way toward her, to offer some company as well as making sure she was fine. The event had been peaceful thus far, but he, and others apparently, didn’t quite trust the calmness. “It is quite extravagant, your Majesty, isn’t it? They really spared no expenses. I’ve barely ever seen as many candles in one place, one might call it a waste.” He said in jest, voice kept down as he addressed her and his head was briefly bowed. 

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hasanofindia:

“Imagine being so dull that one cannot enjoy such festivities,” Hasan commented, taking a sip from his glass of wine, the taste amusing but not as strong as he was accustomed to. “At the very least, one should be expected to pretend. For the host’s sake.”

“I highly doubt the hosts would even notice some not enjoying themselves. You don’t have to jump in glee to appreciate something.” Dante replied, obviously, he was one of those Hasan spoke of. He was uncomfortable in large bodies of people - nearly unarmed. Usually, he stayed in the back, watching and waiting for the event to either be over or jump into action. He sighed quietly, lifting the cup of wine to his lips. “There’s no doubt that this is a beautiful arrangement. Most seem to be enjoying themselves, I’m sure those that don’t can easily be overlooked and forgotten.”

[dantexacconcio-blog]

louisxvalentino:

“If I do not give in you will do it yourself and god knows what trouble I would find you in!” Even if he was going to do the same thing he was, Louis was better at controlling himself. Where his friend jumped in head first. People were already drunk, the amount of alcohol shouldn’t have been enough to get a person drunk but he supposed when you had hardly had a drink in your life it was. “I do not know if the Swiss court has another motive. But I am willing to bet that another person whispered in their ear how this would be a good idea.” At least he wasn’t alone in the paranoia. Pulling at the collar of his top he closed his eyes for a moment. Heavy armor was more welcome than this was. “I find it hard to think she would mind if he did stay away.” Louis muttered, as much as he did respect his King the way Queen Taytu was made queen he couldn’t find it in himself to agree with. 

“That is one way to put it. Another would be you really wanting to get out of here as much as I do. Look at everyone. I mean, these things are usually pretentious already but this is taking it to a whole new level.” Pushing his hands onto his hips, Dante was glad the masquerade concealed the obvious grimace currently taking place beneath it. Sighing loudly, he motioned Louis to follow him with a heavy hand on his shoulder. “Should we take a look around the court? Might just be paranoia, but that makes two of us already. Making sure won’t do any harm.” There was barely ever a time of day they truly relaxed. Not in times like that, not after the massacres and battles that had been witnessed. A peaceful ball like that just seemed off, to say the least. Briefly, he spotted a flash of yellows and browns, unmistakeably the Italian Queen. “No, I wouldn’t judge her for trying her hardest to enjoy this night either. Away from him. With all due respect, she’s a strong woman, but that goes beyond an arranged marriage.”

[dantexacconcio-blog]

viviennehapsburg:

“Is that really practicality though? Yes because taste testing requires you to try every piece on the plate. She teased him, shaking her head. She made a face at the thought of her sister being all alone, since her guards were off duty for the evening as were their ladies. “Hopefully she’s more cautious than I tend to be and has taken someone with her when she goes. But you’re right, I’m sure she’s just fine.” That still didn’t ease her worry but there wasn’t much she could do.

“Well it’s part of the purpose. Here we’re equals, everyone is the same which means we have to be smart about what we say. I had forgotten that it was a masquerade so I had wondered how I would tell you apart. And you are most definitely trouble.” She agreed with a sweet laugh, that only grew at the look he gave her from under his mask. “You’ll be hard pressed to fight with metallic wings keeping your sword arm obstructed. I’m not even sure how that came about, Dante. I don’t know what fun my ladies are poking at me.” Though she had a pretty good idea why they had done what they did, and it boiled down to the man in front of her and the one she had sworn to hate. Her lips twisted in a smirk but she placed her hands on her hips. “You’re quite welcome, I thought you might enjoy the view.” She retorted, before her eyes had the same mischievous glimmer. “That’s nice to know considering one is more heavily obstructed than the other.” He gave her adventure, the thrill that she usually had to seek by defying her brother’s demands. “Yes well, my ladies brushed the moss out of mine and let me tell you how painful that truly was. Next time we’ll swim in the fountain. As you wish.” She murmured, letting him lead her through the throng of people to the fresh air that she appreciated. She pushed the balcony door closed, a sigh brushing over her lips as the noise inside was muffled. She giggled, stepping closer to him as they reached the railing. “As I recall, someone was quite chivalrous in helping me stay warm. I have no doubt he’d be just as helpful here as he has in days before.” She teased, before she lifted her mask from her face and closed her eyes, letting the cool breeze brush over her skin. “I’ll be betrothed soon; Dimitri wants to win this game of wills and I’m afraid he’s going to go around me to do it.”

“I’m not taking chances, that’s all.” He lifted his hand in defense, no trace of remorse on his face. “I can go looking for her if you would feel better knowing she’s safe? I can assure you, I would have absolutely no problem leaving for a while.” Dante offered as he saw the concern on her face, his own brows furrowed. The ball itself was leaving him with concerns of his own, the well-being of the people, knowing that whoever stepped foot inside the ball could very well be someone with malicious intentions and never be found out. 

“Yet you didn’t even have to say anything at all, as you ran into me. So who is really the one causing trouble, yet again?” Lips turned into a lopsided grin, hand brushing back black strands of freshly washed hair that kept falling into his face. “The wings have quite flexible joints and aside from the weight, won’t keep my sword arm too constricted. Maybe the plan is for you to find a King that finds you to your liking by...flashing those.” The cool air was soothing, like a cold splash of water after a long day. Calming heated skin and mind alike. Dante smiled at her from beneath the mask, then turned his eyes gen sky to watch the bright dots in the sky. “Next time. Of course, you really do have a death wish, Vi. I would suggest that we steer clear from any bodies of water for a while. You nearly froze to death and while death is never quite a comfortable idea, there’s little reason to die of the consequences for taken a swim in an ice cold lake. How about a pub brawl next time? Swinging some fists at thugs and thieves?” Dante turned around, hip resting against the railing with a wide grin. Obviously, he was joking. Partially. He did enjoy situations like that every now and then, the thrill of a fight no matter how minuscule.  His eyes glanced at the curtains hiding most of the ballroom behind large windows, mask briefly pushed up as he lifted a brow. “Although tempting, I highly doubt that would be appropriate on this balcony. Or have you forgotten how chivalrous those acts were?” Rolling his head back, Dante laughed. Carelessly, pronouncing the dark bags under his eyes as his thumb brushed over the back of her hand. That was, however, short-lived. The smile faltered, turned into confusion. He reached out to brush a strand of hair behind her ear, lightly shaking his head. “What do you mean?” 

[wordsnquotes]

I want excitement; and I don’t care what form it takes or what I pay for it, so long as it makes my heart beat.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Adjuster”  (via wordsnquotes)

[dantexacconcio-blog]

viviennehapsburg:

“So it is true. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I don’t believe I saw that one coming.” She teased, laughing a little. She’d avoided most of the food, and had only taken sips of the drink earlier in the day just to be careful this evening. “It doesn’t surprise me either, except that we got ready together so I should have spotted her at least once in all of this.” She mused withher eyes wandering around the ballroom itself. She’d allowed herself to be carefree and happy here; let herself be lulled into the security that it offered before she would have to go back to the real world. 

She let her head fall back in laughter, her hands coming up to cover her face as he recognized her. The few moments where she knew what he didn’t made it so much better. “These things make even our most memorable friends strangers. I didn’t know it was you until you said your name. And thank you, you look quite the stunner yourself.” She answered him. She smiled wide, her hand catching his and giving it a brief squeeze. “Says the man who is dressed like a gigantic metallic bird. But I’m extra?” She teased, shaking her head. “My ladies chose, I tell you. I finally know what it’s like to have more men stare at my breasts than my face.” She told him, her nose wrinkling. “But I also thought this dress might be better in case there’s another impromptu swim in my future. Less to drag around if I’m honest about it. You though, you might be in trouble. I’ll give you a choice, we can dance, or we can go sit on the balcony and breathe.”

“I’m a practical man. Plus it’s free food, who am I to deny that? I mean, of course, I’m just making sure no one is being poisoned.” Dante said playfully, joining her quiet laughter. It was at least somewhat true. He tried to seem as relaxed as possible, but a masquerade open for all kinds of classes was dangerous. Assassinations should never be out of the equation and that was the last thing that they could allow to happen. Not when so many lives depended on peace. “Maybe she has gone off to have a good time herself? Maybe she’s in the gardens - I’m sure she is fine.” He offered with a warm gesture. 

“That is, in fact, the purpose of this night, after all. I didn’t think I would find you. But, of course, like a magnet you bring trouble.” Was said in jest, the light squeeze returned on her arm before his hand dropped back to his side. Scoffing, Dante lifted the mask ever so slightly, making sure she saw the look of ridicule he gave her. “Please, my outfit is multifunctional. If anything happens, I’ll be prepared. You’re dressed as Lust, Vi. You definitely win this. Whatever it is you won.” Laughing, his eyes darted toward the body part in question - briefly. Before he cleared his throat, looking sideways quickly. “Well, thank you for pointing that out. I would not have noticed if it weren't for your kind pointers.” The smirk on his face was wide and a playful glint in his eyes. “I can assure you, both are equally as pleasant to the eye.” It was a dangerous game to play, Dante was aware of that. Something that could get both of them in serious trouble, but maybe that was what attracted them. Trouble. Danger. Decisions they made. “I think we should keep the impromptu sims at bay for now. I picked moss out of my hair for the next three days. What kind of question is that, Vi? I assure you, you don’t want to dance with me. Come, let’s go outside for a while.” Shaking his head chuckling, Dante reached out for her hand this time, guiding her through the crowds of dancing couples, careful to keep her from bumping into someone else. The balcony was quiet, most people enjoying their freedom within royals and staff alike, dancing and drinking their hearts out. To him, though, the fresh air was better than anything else they offered inside the ballroom. Inhaling sharply, he turned around, smiling as he took a few steps backward with her hand still in his. “Normally, I would suggest we go back inside because it is quite chilly. But I think you can handle a bit of a breeze, you’re a tough one, as we found out.” 

[dantexacconcio-blog]

louisxvalentino:

“You talk me into ridiculous things all the time. Why start denying you now?” Louis teased for a moment. Honestly going and doing something other than this was too good of an offer to refuse. He’d have gone and stood on his head if Dante thought it would get them away from this. “Everyone in masks, so many people. Nothing good will come from this, the Swiss are too trusting of people. It’s like they’ve forgotten we’re still at war.” His eyes scanned the crowd looking for the Queen he’d seen a moment ago, “I’ve seen her highness. You can not miss her hair or clothing. I haven’t seen the King yet.”

“I am glad you’ve finally come to your senses and accepted that.” Dante replied with a loud sigh, hands lifted in defense. A step was taken aside to avoid a careless, probably drunk, dancer, the Italians face one of obvious distaste. The invitation and offer had been nice enough and, surely, many ladies were grateful for it. In all fairness, their life wasn’t on the line if they failed to fulfill their duty either. “I’m not sure if they’re too trusting or if there’s a plan behind this, between us. Maybe I’m just paranoid. But this is intentionally making a soft target out of yourself. Peace and unity are great, but ....well, who knows.” He shrugged his shoulders, reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose out of habit, but quickly dropping his hand as soon as he realized he was still wearing a mask. “Certainly, if she’s on this side of the room, his Majesty will be on the other. Or maybe he chose not to attend. Would be a wise decision.”

[dantexacconcio-blog]

viviennehapsburg:

She felt a blush creep along her cheeks as he took in her outfit. As a princess most would never look at her that way, not that it was bad. There was something about his voice that seemed so familiar to her. “Thank you, and I agree that it is very red. My ladies thought it would be quite a lot of fun to dress as if we were embodiments of the seven sins. Lust was their choice for me.” She confided with a laugh and a shake of her head. “No harm has been done. Really I’m quite alright and I think you may have saved me from more harm. Though I do believe that serving girl you were staring at pulled your mind from it’s gentlemanly norm.” She teased him with a smile.

“I’ve never seen this much of anything in a room before. People included. Everyone is so different and dazzling. So much so that I’ve yet to find my sister.” She told him, studying his face once more. She couldn’t place him and it was beginning to bother her because she knew that she knew them. She pressed her hand to her face for a moment, feeling the flush there from the press of bodies. She had to cover her lips to hide the knowing smile as he introduced himself. “Well it’s lovely to meet you, Dante.” She answered, before giggling. “You aren’t ruining anyone’s fun. And I told you I’d hit you again if you called me ‘Milady’ one more time.” She admonished, before grinning at him. “It’s Vivi, Dante. And now I know why you seem familiar, though the mask does quite the job hiding you.”

Dark eyes narrowed underneath the mask, a smile gracing his face at the information. That was...well, quite a theme to have. Especially in a room full of devoted, religious people of all kinds. “Lust. Quite a forward statement, Many of which joined this event would certainly not be all too happy to find you embodying one of the seven sins. Though, it is a fitting outfit.” No harm was made in admitting that. “I didn’t stare at the serving girl. She had a pretty full tray of snacks in her hands, that was far more interesting.” Dante replied grinning. Really, all he had done that night was eat and drink and avoid people. The last thing he wanted was to get involved too much. Not when anyone could be concealing a weapon in complete anonymity. 

“It is quite spectacular to look at, I agree. You haven’t found your sister yet? Well, that’s not surprising. It’s packed.” With both of his hands on his hips, the Italian turned around, eyes scanning the room, over masked figures and joyful faces alike. He had long since given up trying to recognize people - well, aside from trying to find his Queen and staying close to her. His eyes doubled, taking a second glance at the woman in red at the way she spoke his name. Something was so familiar about her. The way his name rolled off her lips, as if he’d heard it ever so often before. With furrowed brows, he leaned further down before his face broke out into a wide smile. “Vi? Oddio, I didn’t recognize you...or your voice. You look amazing. I’m sorry, the mask does hide you quite well, too.” His tone was lighthearted, hand briefly brushing along her arm. “So you dressed up as lust, huh? Quite extra of you.” He said teasingly, leaning his shoulder against the wall to his left. 

[dantexacconcio-blog]

louisxvalentino:

He had a point, Louis presented himself as a knight, not a duke, so he was usually met with far less privileges. “You are right yes, yes. But do you think they will actually tell us? That is the part I have doubt in.” he paused for a moment thinking it over. “But I am inclined to try.” Standing up straighter he smoothed out his clothes. It was still similar to the things he’d worn as a child. A bitter laugh escaped him, “They act as if this is not the most perfect time for an assassination. But I do ask are you truly unarmed?” Louis had a dagger hidden away, it made him feel better. Safer. He didn’t think he could truly do this if he was completely unarmed.

From a passing tray, Dante picked up a mysterious looking snack, all the while his eyes stayed trained on Louis to watch his reaction. “If they deny us, we leave. There’s no need for this to be a big deal. - Ah, you are coming to your senses. Perfect.” He grinned at the elder, arms crossed over his chest. No, Dante had only attended these balls as a guard. Staying somewhere hidden, watching the royalty enjoy the night. And he preferred it that way. “They could slip in and out unnoticed. I keep expecting to hear someone scream and the night be done with. Are you mad? Of course not. First and foremost, it is our duty to protect. Even if the invitation says we’re equals.” He lowered his voice, only meant for the other guards ears as he took a sip of wine. All the more reason to be tense. “Have you found the Monarchs yet? I hate not knowing who’s who.” 

[dantexacconcio-blog]

louisxvalentino:

Closing his eyes Louis wished to be anywhere else. This was not his place in life, he was named a Duke yes but he took none of the responsibilities of one. He’d chosen to be a knight and if his mother wasn’t around he would have given up all titles and land to his sister. Looking at the person who spoke it took him a few seconds to realize who the man was. He’d spent enough time with him to know the voice and well the hair. “If I knew i’d be there now mio amico. I suppose we could ask but… that may look a bit suspicious.” 

Mio amico. Ah, a familiar language and voice. Refreshing and relieving at once, in time so dark and hopeless. Running a hand over his jaw, Dante reached out for a cup of wine, an amused glance briefly shot at his old friend. “We are wearing masks, fratello. No one will know we asked. For all they know, we could be Kings or Dukes.” The younger scoffed, brows hidden by the mask furrowed. as he sighed loudly. “This is a nightmare. This whole...thing. Being unarmed on top of that feels wrong. I mean, officially.”

[paintedimagining]