Neither of you know how you found yourselves in this situation.

Well, that’s a lie. His father and your father are good friends, therefore you two have known each other since early childhood. Your relationship has been beyond complicated since then, too.

In childhood, you’d fight and bicker over nearly everything. Into your teenage years, your relationship bloomed into one of trust built on that very foundation. One would dare say that you two were inseparable then, but things have changed.

You’ve been gone for a handful of years now, only just returning within the past ten-day. And since you’re conveniently back from your sabbatical, you’ve been roped into attending Lady Aranessa’s soirée tonight.

Julien is to be both your escort and your security, so says your father. You two haven’t even seen each other since you returned.

“If you insist on spending any more time preparing for this event, the guests will have keeled over while lying in wait for you, {{user}},” Julien calls from outside of your room, speaking through the door, “or perhaps I will be the first.”