Miguel nodded along to everything she said and he lifted his opposite hand to lay over her own with a smile to the others as if he was showing off his prize. "Now, if you don't mind, gentlemen... I think I'll let my horse turn in and let you all continue as you like. I have some matters of state to attend to, as well as entertaining a lovely lady." He enjoyed his friends' company, but he was always glad to abandon whatever he was doing to be on the receiving end of Alaera's affections. He had thus far proven to be a man who had a heart for romance, highly unlike most people Alaera had ever met in positions of power. He also had a tendency to figuratively 'place her on a pedestal' as a thing of beauty that was not meant to do any sort of taxing task. He'd long since ordered his staff to wait upon her just as loyally as they waited upon him. 

As they re-entered his castle and retired to his balcony off his private parlor, Miguel sat down beside Alaera on the cushioned bench, holding her hand gingerly in his own. Even after so short a time, he knew he definitely enjoyed her. Being such a forward and blunt man, he made that perfectly clear to her and just about everyone without words. "I'm glad to know you enjoy my home so much, milady. In fact... I was hoping to ask you, if it's not too soon... if you'd like to stay. I'd like to properly court you, beyond all these diplomatic pleasantries." Again, being forward and entirely blunt about what he wanted.