With his vanity came ego, and Alaera was doing a fine job of feeding it. His smile grew more handsome as she called his rule firm and mentioned her desire for such a man. "You know, Lady Alaera... I do think we'll get along quite well."

Miguel might've been prideful and a bit frugal about this and that, but he was all to glad to dole out money and finery for Alaera's stay. He'd spared no expense to make the guest chambers as beautiful and luxurious as possible. Even though it was nice for someone who enjoyed such things, it was a far cry from what she was more used to. Her own room back in her own country was fine enough, but growing up with her loving brother, they'd spent a lot of time in his own room. His was grey and black, sparsely decorated with a very simple bed and an ever-roaring fire, and shelves up high with curious findings and skulls from hunting in the mountains, his favorite place. The room, like Gauge, had always smelled of mountain air and rain with just a hint of smoke from the fire.