Duke Lorenzo Vikena

Lorenzo is the Duke of Vermillion. He resides in the city of Veirmont and proudly proclaims that he is "The Duke of Veirmont" on at least a daily basis. Armed often with a pet ferret named Kier, he is perhaps the most peculiar of Caesonia's nobility. He resides in Veirmont with his stepdaughter Charlotte, but does conveniently have a summer home in Sorian like many higher nobility do.

## Appearance

**Hair Length/Texture:** Straight cropped

**Skin Color:** Mostly on the fairer side, but has a slight tan.

**Facial details(freckles, moles, etc):** Lorenzo has a few scars on his face and a mustache.

**Distinguishing features:** His sex appeal

**Clothing Preferences:** To play the part of a noble, Lorenzo attempts to look as formal as possible when he knows he will be in the presence of other nobles… This is mostly all of the time except when he is in the comfort of his own home. Muted colors are his preference as he had never been one to match and blend colors well. He has tried and failed miserably in the past, so he sticks to what is simple. The only jewelry he wears are his rings, one being a silver band with a blue trillion-cut tourmaline stone, an heirloom from his father he wears left middle finger. The other is a gold wedding band from his previous marriage he wears on his right right ring finger.

## Personality Overview

### **Likes:**

★ Being in his home ‘

★ His black angora ferret named Kier

★ Low stakes

★ Talking to the common person

★ Taking the edge off

★ His relationship with his stepdaughter Charlotte

★ Poetry

★ Gardening

★ Nature

★ Solitude

### **Dislikes:**

★ Royal/Noble Gatherings

★ Count Calbert Damien

★ King Edin Danrose

★ Magic

★ The pompous and arrogant

★ His cursed narcolepsy

★ Unwarranted insults

★ Gossip

**Sexuality:** Heterosexual

**Hobbies:**

★ Writing poetry

★ Drug use

★ Binging alcohol

★ Exploring the gardens around his property

**Life Goals/Dreams:**

★ Rid himself of Count Calbert

★ Repair his life

★ To find love again

★ Find his place amongst the nobles

**Personality Summary**:

A kind but depressed soul, Lorenzo forces a smile with a saddened expression on his face. These days he keeps to himself and indulges in drugs and alcohol to numb himself to sorrow he's felt since his appointment as duke. He's not quick to approach others but he can hold quite a conversation when engaged. He's a home-body, and he can be quite the host, but good luck getting this man out of his home if not for some needed appearance at an event. And at these events, Lorenzo normally places himself close to his stepdaughter Charlotte. He does this because he enjoys her company but also because she has a better grasp at saying and doing the right things in the presence of others.

When it comes to confrontations, Lorenzo would much rather avoid them. So much so, he'll resort to being disingenuous to his true feelings and beliefs in order to keep the peace. At the same time, he won't jump into a fight that isn't his own even if it means defending or aiding someone who is wronged. Lorenzo trusts nearly anyone unless they give him a reason not to, making him rather gullible amongst the cutthroat nobles.

There are few Lorenzo considers close. One being his stepdaughter who he gets along with very well despite the rocky relationship he had with her mother towards the end of her life.

## **Background**

**Current occupation:**

Duke

**Any past occupations?:**

Bank Owner

### **Skills:**

★ Keeping a secret

★ Green thumbed

★ Finding excuses

### **History Summary:**

Duke Lorenzo Vikena was not born wealthy yet he was not born poor. Born to a family that valued the ownership of trades and businesses, Lorenzo was well aware about managing wealth. It was only natural for him to acquire ownership of the management of the Caesonia Kingdoms banks. At a young age, he was considered the most esteemed and self-established noble in the country. It was that very fact that led the recently widowed Duchess Emina to him. Like any relationship there was a honeymoon phase and Duchess Emina had used that to her advantage. The glitz and glamor of the high life she lived as a Caesonian duchess had pulled Lorenzo in. Of course he had feelings for the woman Emina had presented herself as but had no idea of the life he was getting himself into once he agreed to marry her. Being a noble was one thing, but involving oneself in the political sphere was another matter. Like a bumpy stone, Lorenzo failed to find his place and properly bounce back from his screwups.

Lorenzo mingled with the wrong people, gave subpar introductions, and addressed his peers and superiors with casual and sometimes even improper courtesy. And to add onto things, he and Emina could not bring a child into the world due to her suffering from several miscarriages only known by a tight circle of acquaintances. The man, despite his title, was considered an embarrassment in any gathering of royals and high-class nobles.

Lorenzo embarrassed himself in the courts numerous times, the worst being when he brought his pet ferret, Kier along, disgusting many of the guests in attendance. The incident had embarrassed Duchess Emina in such a way that a private altercation became physical between the two. Though Lorenzo stayed his hand, Emina attacked like a rabid animal. She clawed at his face, leaving scars that exempt him from a month’s worth of public appearances. She might have harmed the ferret, but Lorenzo had defended the poor creature with his life.

The pressure, the fighting, and just not being able to find his place in the high-life weighed on him, a mountain made of expectation and scrutiny. There were nights where he cried himself to sleep. There were nights where he prayed for things to be different. There were nights where he wished upon the moon and stars that he could make everything better…

Yet things only grew worse. A ball was held, hosted by the crown. Lorenzo thought himself ready to conquer the event after so many previous, and he was. His head was held up high, he was dressed to impress, no ferret in sight, and he greeted everyone as a dignified duke. Unfortunately, Lorenzo and Emina were subjected to King Edin Danrose’s frigid cruelty. It mattered not how Lorenzo appeared today, his reputation as Duke had been dragged through the mud by his displays over the years. With so many in attendance, the shame and embarrassment proved to be too much this time around. So much so that Duchess Emina took her own life.

The tragedy nearly broke him. He was ready to just up and leave the country, but Count Calbert Damien had convinced him to remain. The count had seen Lorenzo’s worth and wished to be his friend in such a dark time. A year has now gone by and Lorenzo appears to be a bit more comfortable in his skin. At least that’s what he shows to everyone else. The only person who knows the most about how he feels, is Charlotte who shares her own distaste for the other nobles and their games. He worries of himself, yes, but he also worries about someone so young jaded towards a life she hadn't truly dived into yet.

## Questionnaire

### **History**

**Did you grow up nurtured or neglected?:** I was very much nurtured. I don’t think I’d be here without my family grooming me for success in my business ventures.

**When you were upset, where was your sanctuary?:** It used to be my hobbies but now it’s… it’s my vices. There are times where I speak to Charlotte about things. It helps. It helps sometimes.

**What were you like in your teenage years?**: I was a studious fellow. Always following the guidance of my elders.

**How close are you to your parents?:** I love them dearly but my life now… I often find it hard to make time for anyone else.

**Do you have any trauma that haunts you?**: Can I… Can I choose not to answer this? I just can’t right now. Please.

**What advice would you give your younger self?:** Don’t chase dreams. Build up what you have. Be who you are and don’t let anyone change that. No one.

**Were you an obedient child or defiant?:** Obedient. I respected my elders.

**What is your biggest regret?:** No. I… Just no. Next question, please.

### **Romance**

**Have you ever been in love?:** Of course. I loved Emina with every fiber of my being. And then I lost her… I lost her.

**What is most important in a partner to you? Describe your dream partner.**: I wish I knew. I should know this. I- I just want to be with someone who can look past my flaws and failures. Someone who can see me for me. Not the Duke I am. The man I am!

**How do you display affection? What is your love language?: I** give those I love things I myself find precious. A poem written by my hand. A flower grown in my garden. Gifting something I created myself.

**Have you had your first kiss? What was it like?:** Of course. It was nice. Very nice. It was so long ago, but I can recall it quite well.

**Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not?:** I don’t know. I thought I did. Now, I think love takes more time than that. Sometimes I like to imagine something like that does exist. Just a dream though, right?

**What does marriage mean to you?:** A true union. Not just in love, but life… It can be beautiful. It can be abhorrent.

**Are you currently crushing on anyone?**: No. No I am not.

**Do you ever consider having children in the future?:** I feel that time has passed, but I wouldn’t be completely against trying. I was unable to produce an heir with Emina but I think… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t say such things... You know, Charlotte... She's what I'd want in a child. Kind and precious.

### **Personality**

**Describe your ideal Sunday morning:** Taking a stroll through my gardens with Kier and maybe even Charlotte in my company before finding a spot to have a quaint picnic.

**What kind of person do you aspire to be?:** The best version of myself. What else could I ask for?

**What bad habits do you have?:** I… I indulge in many things… I intend to quit but- I just need it now. Just for now. Yes.

I**f you could go back in time and change anything in your past, what would it be?:** This… You’ve asked this already. I will not answer this.

**What is your greatest fear?**: Losing myself.

**What are your pet peeves?**: Respect for my space and respect for your fellow man.

**When you are in a sour mood, do you like to be alone or with others?**: Alone.

**Are you more likely to fight with your fists or your tongue?:** I don’t see a need to fight anyone. Tongue or fists. We’re adults! We should resolve our issues as such.