Rodiak

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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______________________________________	__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R dress ♛ hair ♛ mask D A M I E N E S T A T E , E V E N I N G I N T E R A C T I O N S : @JJ Doe M E N T I O N S :

Nahir’s lips tugged back into a smirk, and she fought the urge to lift an eyebrow at the woman in front of her. Crimson red lips formed a circle as she feigned shock from the words that had just come out of the lady’s mouth. “My dear, I would never!” She waved her hand, and a server rushed to her with a silver platter for her to deposit the empty flute. “You wound me… Though you are right to be on guard tonight. Would be best to steer free from the dragon that is roaming the ballroom. I heard she enjoys pouring sweet beverages on lovely women like yourself.”

So bold. So brave. Nahir wondered who this girl belonged to. A smaller noble house? New money? As of yet, no one had been so bold as to question her intention so outright. She could command the woman to remove her mask, but she doubted she would. Perhaps the woman didn’t even belong here, seeing as she had to confirm the mask sat upon her face.

Nahir patted the lady’s arm, “No need to worry about me, for I’d rather share a dance with you than laugh at you.” Her interest had been piqued already, and it would be a shame for it to end so quickly. So Nahir raised the woman’s hand to her lips, kissing the back of it and bowing her head slightly.

“Would you share a dance with me, my lady?”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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______________________________________	__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R dress ♛ hair ♛ mask D A M I E N E S T A T E , E V E N I N G I N T E R A C T I O N S : Riona - @JJ Doe M E N T I O N S : Layla @Potter

If I had known this masquerade ball would be this boring, I would have gone to the little festival. Nahir thought as she continued to make her rounds around the hall. There were a few familiar frames scattered around. She’d recognize Lord Smithwood’s broad shoulders under any mask– though she had to admit the whole lion shtick was quite cute. Next to him was who she presumed to be, Lady Vikena. Her smile bent downwards at the sight of her. Nahir had read the report Lady Suhani had provided of her sister’s awful attitude on the beach. Why was Layla so pent up on ruining every interaction she had with the Vikenas? It almost seemed like Layla was obsessed with wasting her time and energy, making their lives hell.

Nahir wouldn’t be surprised if she were sent away before the summer ended, just as Mayet had.

Whatever, she can ruin her chances. Even better yet, with Layla gone, she’d only have to worry about Farim. Their little sneaky charming cousin. She wondered if he was having fun with the Varians and Caesonians prancing around the woods half-naked. At least he had a better view than she did.

After successfully acquiring a flute of champagne, Nahir made her way to the dance floor, where she intended to find someone decent to dance with. Instead, she found a fawn struggling to walk upright on her own two feet. Nahir couldn’t help but snort at the woman’s pathetic attempts to drag one foot in front of the door. It was plain as day that she wasn’t used to such shoes or clothes. But Nahir was feeling charitable, and it seemed like the night would go uneventfully if she did not create her own entertainment.

Nahir made her way to the woman with confident strides, hips swaying side to side in an almost playful manner. “Excuse me, my lady, what lovely dress you have there.” Her voice was soft and so sweet it almost felt not her own. Nahir offered her free to the woman and leaned in so no one close would hear her. “Trouble with the shoes? I wouldn't want such a beauty to trip in the middle of a ball.” There was no point in embarrassing the lady so early in the night.

What Are You Listening To?

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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______________________________________	__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R dress ♛ hair ♛ mask D A M I E N E S T A T E , E V E N I N G I N T E R A C T I O N S : M E N T I O N S :

The masks did very little to keep her identity a mystery. Not many in this kingdom of pale yetis had such a lovely complexion as hers. Where they lacked in color, she had an abundance of, so rich and dark as the night sky she had to adorn it with golden stars. A pink flower amongst the night sky is what she would be tonight. A priced flower plucked for its wavering beauty put on display for the masses to see.

A train of pink roses trailed behind her as partygoers' heads turned and eyes lingered as she did her rounds around the ball. Golden eyes scanned the crowd of on-lookers with mild interest. A few of them approached her to introduce themselves with smiles under their masks. She wondered if the masks gave them the courage to dare come close to her without bowing their heads and lowering their eyes. Still, she decided to play nice and smiled through it.

“You must be one of the princesses from Alidasht. It is an honor to make your acquaintances.” The woman said, eyes filled with awe. Rightfully so. To gaze upon Nahir was like a gift from the gods!

“Shehzadi Nahir,” Her smile widened when the two before her curtsied and bowed deeply. It seemed like not all those in this kingdom lacked brains and decorum. “And who may I have the pleasure of meeting?”

“I am Lady Mia, and this is my sister, Lady Nora, of house Woodstock. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Shehzadi Nahir.”

Nahir arched an eyebrow, The Woodstock family was one of the leading suppliers of lumber for Caesonia. “A pleasure to meet you, ladies. You two look incredible this evening.” Nahir complimented with another flash of her pearly whites. Lady Mia wore a dress that resembled Nahir’s dress from the welcoming ball, although it was far more conservative, and its colors had been flipped. Lady Nora, on the other hand, wore a more loose cream-colored dress with gold trim and an emerald mask. Very close to the design Nahir had worn to the archery competition.

“Madam Petra designed them,” Nahir smirked at that, “She said she took inspiration from you, Your Highness.” Lady Nora chimed in with a smile that almost reached her eyes. Adorable.

“I’m flattered.” The two ladies looked at each other with wide grins. “Those dresses make you look stunning, ladies.” Nahir reached out to adjust some minor folds on their masks before taking a step back to admire them both. Lady Mia certainly looked ravishing in those clothes, but she'd do better showing off some more skin.

“I’ll be going now, ladies; I am sure we'll see more of each other in the future.” Nahir watched them curtsy and take their leave with satisfied smiles. She’d have to keep their names and faces in mind; big names like those were always good to keep in her pocket. Perhaps she’d send them flowers as a thanks for greeting her. It might encourage more ladies to flock to her. But those were thought for later; tonight she was determined to enjoy herself.

Nahir wanted to dance. She wanted to spin around under the sparkling chandelier in the arms of a handsome masked stranger.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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______________________________________	__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ L A D Y Z A R A I L E S D E M A N L A D Y Z A R A I L E S D E M A N dress ♖ crown ♖ mask ♖ D A M I E N E S T A T E , E V E N I N G I N T E R A C T I O N S : M E N T I O N S : @Potter

After entertaining a hoard of suitors deemed enough by her mother, Zarai was drained. She’d spent the whole day trying to force small talk out of men who hadn’t been significant enough to get invited to the king’s tea party. Talk of the weather and today’s political climate had worn her down until the only thing she could possibly think of was the mercy of a shooting star crashing down the room she inhabited.

If her mother truly wished for her to marry, stuffing her daughter in a drawing room to entertain lesser nobles was definitely not the way to go. However, Zarai had the feeling her mother had only done so to punish her. That woman always found such creative and new ways of punishment; it was amazing really.

At least it gave her time to plan out the evening. Since her mother was too busy to attend the ball with planning her own, she’d have the freedom to enjoy the food to her heart’s content. Zarai would rub elbows with some of the higher nobles and be seen dancing with a nice gentleman(or a couple). She’d eat as many crab legs and lobster tails as her corset would allow her, and she'd leave when everyone had drunk enough.

And where would she go? She’d figure it out when the time came.

Zarai looked up from the fan she’d been playing with when she heard people outside talking and laughing. She drew back the curtains and peeked outside to see the Damien estate come into view. She could no longer see the chaos she’d witnessed two days ago, but instead, a steady stream of men and women draped with expensive costumes and matching masks waddling into the estate.

“Almost like nothing happened,” Zarai commented as her carriage rolled to a stop and Sir Barrios opened the door. Calbert had been mad; he’d been red-faced and nostrils flaring as he ordered everyone around to try to collect his destroyed estate. She felt bad for any servant or worker who had probably broken their backs to make tonight’s extravagant ball happen.

“My lady–” Sir Barrios began but was quickly interrupted by Zarai’s shake of her head. “No?”

“No, you will not wait for me here.” Zarai grinned up at the knight and patted his shoulder a tad too hard. “Well, you can certainly stay here… or visit one of the pubs with the driver.” She held up a finger when the knight began to protest. “You’ll find a small bag under my seat in the carriage; use it well, big boy.” She winked before turning on her heels and running into the ball, giggling.

Zarai could already imagine herself snapping the crab legs in half with her bare hands. The meat practically melting in her mouth. All thoughts of food went away in an instant, however, when she laid eyes upon her.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Zarai Lesdeman
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“Is he gone?”

“He is now,” Zarai looked at Lukas and his father running around the pillow castle a few times before they stopped to talk with Princess Sadie. The Knight Commander looked ridiculous, such a tall man chasing such a small boy that it was almost comical.

“Please tell me the reason why you’re looking so bummed out is because all the royal children want to marry you, and you can’t decide which ones you’ll have to turn down?”

Zarai snorted; couldn’t that be further than the truth?

“Of course,” She was quick to crack a grin, “Who could ever resist this face?” She wiggled her brows and waved a hand over the mosaic of blues and purples. “They were practically throwing themselves at my feet!” She did a small and brief shimmy of her shoulders. “Do not be surprised if you hear of a duel here and there for my hand in marriage.”

Sir Barrios shifted in his spot and Zarai did not have to look at him to know he was rolling his eyes at her words.

“I’m not. In fact,” △△△ pressed her hand against his lips, “I’m one of the contestants.” The grin on his face told Luz that he was quite aware of Sir Barrios’s presence and was deliberately feeding him something to bring to her mother. “The odds of me winning may be slim, but perhaps it’ll give me the chance to court others who also don’t make the cut. The royal children are all so stunning, it is a sin not to try.”

Zarai smirked at him, seeing the ploy. “Do not fret, Count Fritz; I can pull some strings and arrange your victory.” She tilted her head, free hand brought up, and tapped her chin with her index finger. “Unless you really do wish to court one of the princes. However, I do not know of their preferred inclinations. Shall I ask them for you once the duels are over? Oh, and I do say princes, as for Princess Anastasia is my chosen one.”

△△△’s hand clenched his invisible pearls as he gasped, “Lady Lesdeman!” A dramatic pause. “How naughty…” He said with his best sultry voice. “I may indeed take you up on those offers.” He sat up so that he could lean in suggestively closer to Luz. “Or perhaps… you can take everyone’s hand in marriage? Having multiple wives and husbands doesn’t sound like a bad deal. Don’t you agree, Sir Barrios?” He suddenly turned to her knight.

Zarai giggled like a schoolgirl, covering her mouth with her hand to sell the look for Sir Barrios. “Wouldn’t that just be a peach?” She grinned at the knight, holding back the barking laugh when she saw his bewildered expression. “Sir Barrios, do not tell me– are… are you jealous?” She gasped, clutching at her pearls like Fritz had.

“You would not mind if we invited the good knight into our growing union?” Zarai smiled so sweetly at Fritz and then at Sir Barrios that the knight had to look away to compose himself. “Aw, Your Excellency, would you look at that? Our knight is blushing!”

“Absolutely not.” Sir Barrios coughed into the back of his hand and looked away. Dignified.

“Isn’t he precious?” He whispered in a way that was nothing close to a whisper. “Well, you’re always welcome to join us, Sir Barrios. The more the merrier, I say.” △△△’s hand circled the space between him and Luz as an invitation, but when the knight turned a few shades darker, he chuckled and turned his attention to his friend. “Perhaps we should stop teasing him lest he makes us sleep on the sofa tonight.”

He studied her closely, his voice softening. “So, is my might-be-future bride going to tell me why she looks so down? … Does your injuries still hurt?”

“A bit,” Zarai answered, her smile wavering briefly and gaze shifting towards the illuminated sky above them. “A lot, actually. Now that the grass has left my body, I can actually feel things now.” After the prince’s court, she thought it would help her get through the rest of the day pain and worry-free. And for the most part, it had worked.

“I really want to go to bed– but I also don’t want to miss the fireworks.”

△△△ hummed his understanding. “Thank goodness Princess Sadie decided to bring so many pillows.” If he was ever going to breach the subject about the afterparty it was now. “Has your memory about the party returned? Do you remember who did this to you?”

Zarai shook her head, “Nothing much… I think we were drugged.” Her fingers twirled and twisted the ends of the pillow she was holding. She didn’t know why coming to the realization they had been drugged did not stir a bigger response. “I’d remember other wise remember by now.” She shrugged, looking over to him. “Cheers, I remember hearing cheers. Something sweet, as well– like cake.”

“That must’ve been an incredibly potent drug if that’s all you can recall.” But not perfect. Luz’s nonchalance about being drugged did not escape his notice. Then again, he had witnessed her blackout from bar fights and excessive drinking before. While △△△ was unaware of Luz’s involvement with hard drugs, he was familiar with her indulgence in milder substances. Therefore, the situation might not have come as a total surprise to her—or perhaps she was too stunned to fully comprehend it. “But if it is drugs, it’s possible the effects vary from person to person. I wonder if some might remember more about what happened during the party.”

△△△ scanned the park then noticed Lord Ravenwood and Dr. Williamson conversing in the distance. He smirked at Luz. “Do you want to find out?”

As much as she wanted to go, Zarai smiled and shook her head. “Apologies, Your Excellency, but I can hear my bed’s call from here.” She wanted nothing more but to hear all of the scalding hot gossips Dr. Williamson and Roman had, but her body finally had enough of her. “You can tell me all about it later, yes? I’ll be expecting the juicy details from you.”

The smirk immediately turned into an expression of concern. “It’s that bad?” After rummaging through his pockets, he retrieved what he was searching for. He unwrapped the candy and brought it to Luz’s lips, “Try this.” The Nexeian confection, crafted from a blend of various herbs, had long been administered to individuals suffering from an injury or illness to alleviate pain, nausea, and fever until they received proper medical care. Although it was not as strong as typical pain relievers, it also lacked the addictive qualities often associated with them.

Zarai sniffed the candy first. Her nose wrinkled at the unfamiliar smell but she parted her lips and accepted the candy without protest. After swirling it around her mouth for a few seconds she nodded to him, humming in content. “It tastes like chamomile with tamarind and honey.” And a few more herbs she couldn’t really name, but the taste wasn’t as bad as the smell. “Thank you, Fritz.”

△△△’s hands glided over her legs, applying gentle pressure, and softly chanted, “Sana, sana colita de rana.” His hand moved from her legs to her bruised face, his touch light and caring, as he caressed the tender skin. “Sino sana hoy, sanará mañana.” He whispered, promising Luz that her pain would eventually fade away.

Zarai tried and failed to suppress the toothy grin and laugh as soon as Fritz began to sing her the magical incantation all of Puerto Vira knew to cure all ailments and injuries– no matter how small or big. She couldn’t help but to lean into his touch, enjoying the coolness of his palm against the warmth of her cheek.

“May I escort you to your two-wheeled carriage, My Lady?”

“You may,” Zarai answered with a small nod.

Kneeling down on one knee, △△△ positioned himself beside Luz. He slid one arm under her legs and the other behind her back. With a swift motion, he rose to his feet. Luz’s weight settled against his chest, her head resting against his shoulder. He could feel the warmth of her body against his, a reminder of the trust she had in her friend.

A few steps later, Sir Barrios came rushing over to the two. △△△ reassured the knight that everything was under control, “Sir Barrios, could you help guide me to Lady Lesdeman’s wheelchair?”

Sir Barrios looked reluctant, but he nodded and bowed stiffly. “Of course, sir.” With that, he led the way down the grassy hill to where they had left the wheelchair.

Zarai relaxed in his arms and inhaled him– the smell of the shampoo he’d used and his cologne. It filled her with an unfamiliar sensation that spread over her chest, back, and stomach, but she wasn’t complaining. She settled in Fritz’s arms like she’d been there many times before and closed her eyes, listening to the steady heartbeat under her ear.

The walk down the hill was quicker than the one up, much to Zarai’s displeasure. She had gotten used to being carried around like a princess. “Here we are,” Sir Barrios said once they arrived at Zarai’s designated wheelchair. The knight walked around the wheelchair and stood behind it, waiting patiently for Fritz.

The count of Erwynn eased the heir of Puerto Vira down into her wheelchair with great care. He smoothed the folds of her dress and coaxed each rogue strand of hair into place. Stepping back a few paces, he executed a refined bow. “Thank you for spending time with me Lady Lesdeman. May your recovery be swift and free from complications.” Zarai smiled up at him and somewhat attempted to curtsy. △△△ approached Sir Barrios and brushed imperceptible specks of dirt off of the knight’s arm. “And, my dear husband, you know my room is always open to you, with or without our beloved wife.” He winked.

Sir Barrios stared at Fritz like he was considering for a split second before quickly bowing his head, ”Have a good evening, sir.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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______________________________________	__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R ♖ o u t f i t ♖ G U E S T H O U S E 7 : 0 0 I N T E R A C T I O N S : M E N T I O N S :

By the end of the dinner, it felt like someone was splitting her head open while someone else simultaneously drummed against it. The wine had done very little to help it; in fact, it seemed like the alcohol had made it worse. All the talk, the melodrama and the constant stupidity of Lorenzo, and the over-the-top responses had tired her out for the night.

On a normal night, Nahir would have soaked in a bath for an hour while her ladies-in-waiting told her all about the people they kept an eye on. However, she did not expect dinner to turn into a headache.

Nahir had smiled at Anastasia when she invited herself into the dining room with the advisor. She eyed the man briefly before dismissing his attendance and returning her attention to the delicious pastry before her.

She stayed quiet for the remainder of the dinner, the constant drumming in her head only growing as everyone said their goodbyes.

At some point, her father approached Farim and her, asking them to see him in an hour. Nahir had bowed and nodded, as was expected.

She stood by the door for a few seconds, seeing how everyone began talking amongst each other. Some in casual conversations, others in much more hushed tones. And for a split second, she wished Layla and Mayet were in the room with her. Layla shooting off comments about everyone, and Mayet adding to the fuel. She felt the discomfort settle in her chest; her heart picked up a beat, and a lump rose in the back of her throat. All the voices sounded muffled, her mind fogged, and her eyes lost focus, staring across the dining hall.

Anastasia’s loud voice cut through the fog and snapped her right back to the dining room. She blinked and swallowed down the lump and any feelings along with it. With no one paying any mind to her, Nahir left from the dining room. She headed outside in hopes that some fresh air and a smoke to relieve the drumming before meeting with her father.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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______________________________________	__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R ♖ o u t f i t ♖ D I N N E R 6 : 0 0 I N T E R A C T I O N S : everyone at dinner M E N T I O N S :

Gods, I beg for mercy. Open the earth under us and swallow us whole.

Nahir did not let her emotions get the better of her as she watched the youngest of the Shehzadi’s threaten a member of nobility with death. Instead of watching with her mouth hung open, she downed her wine followed by the one left untouched by Layla.

Farim had done a good job explaining the situation to Mayet, but the rationale of his words only fell on deaf ears.

Another drink of her wine to swallow down the laugh that threatened to slip out as Mayet went on. Did she really think she was doing the family and her country a favor by threatening a member of the nobility? Did she think their mother would have been stupid enough to do that?! Nahir did not doubt that Mayet would have done anything to protect them, but her inability to see more than just herself was disappointing.

Lorenzo was an idiot, that much was true, a dangerous bumbling idiot. A simpleton with a loose mouth and no sense of awareness. Such a dangerous thing; to have him running loose around Sorian causing problems where ever he stepped. Did Queen Alibeth not know that such a dangerous man skipped so freely around her court?

“I was the fool. A fool to think bloodshed between members of our family could be avoided.”

A fool you are, sister. Nahir met Mayet’s eyes, knowing if she did not speak now the rift between them could never be repaired. No matter how many bridges, they’d always crumble because of her stubborn nature.

It would just be a temporary thing, of course, but inconvenient nevertheless.

“I will only act and move for myself and my interests.”

You’ve only ever acted that way, my dear sister. Your arrogance blinded you to that fact.

“My final warning.”

Mayet looked like a child trying to justify her arrogance and lack of manners. When both lionesses were gone, Nahir turned her attention back to the rest of the table in hopes to salvage what was left of dinner.

"Should we continue with this magnificent dinner?" Nahir look over them all with an easy smile as if she had not just witnessed her sister's breakdown seconds before. "Do try the chicken tikka masala, it has a pleasant kick to it. Lord Leo, you might find it to your liking." She waved one of the servants over, "More wine drinks for the table, please."

Everyone was in needed more alcohol after tonight's dinner.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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______________________________________	__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ S I R M A T H I A S L A R S E N S I R M A T H I A S L A R S E N ♖ o u t f i t ♖(#1) S O R I A N P A R K , 6 : 0 0 P M I N T E R A C T I O N S : @Conscripts@JJ Doe M E N T I O N S :

Mathias, far too busy with pillow stacking, did not approach the small group that had formed around Lady Violet. He had smiled her way, bowing his head in respect before Lukas ordered him to stack another pillow. Not five minutes prior, the boy had begged his father to build a pillow castle for Princess Sadie and Prince Felix; they were royals, and royals needed a castle. Mathias tried to say no, but the puppy eyes Lukas had given him rendered him helpless, and he finally caved in. As a result, Mathias was tasked as the builder, Mary the collector, and Lukas, the architect.

Mary, being Mary, was all too happy to help the boy with his quest to build the best pillow castle Caesonia had ever seen. She walked around, snatching unused pillows from the ground and dumping them on a pile next to Mathias.

They had already built the four walls of the castle that went up to Lukas’s height. It was quite sturdy, and the floor had been covered with more pillows to make it comfortable for the prince, princess, and Lukas.

“I.. I will… will be their k-knight!” Lukas had proclaimed as Mathias placed the last pillow on the last wall, securing the blanket roof.

“Of course, they’ll need protection from the dragon!” Mathias laughed, digging into the inner coat to pull out the stuffed toy sword. “Approach, Lukas. For I, Commander of Royal Guard shall knight you.” And so the boy was unofficially knighted by his father, and the toy sword gifted to him.

Lukas grinned and held his sword up high. Applause from Lady Zarai and her knight welcomed the new member into the ranks and the castle he’d protect from any dragon.

And then, the little knight saw it. The dragon! The smile on his face widened as he saw Fritz trailing behind the doctor. Lukas had to protect Mr. Doctor from the dragon at all costs. The doctor had always been nice to him,

"Good evening Sir Mathias… It's been a while, eh? How's your trip been so far? And Lukas too, how's he been doing?"

“Dr. Williamson,” Mathias stood from the ground where he had just knighted his son. He opened his mouth to say something else but was taken back to see Count Hendrix behind the good doctor from the corner of his eye. “Wha–” He swiftly caught himself before he could spoil the Count’s plan, “What a pleasant surprise. Quite a while, it is good to see you doctor. The trip was smooth, and it has been a pleasant stay so far.” Without Lord Larsen, everyone would enjoy their summer in Sorian. “How about you? I heard you were busy earlier today–”

Lukas sprinted to Count Fritz, sword raised over his head. “Get back, d..dragon!” He positioned himself between Fritz and Dr. Williamson, knees bent, and toy sword pointed up. The little knight was ready to take down the dragon.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

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______________________________________	__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R S H E H Z A D I N A H I R K A D I R ♖ o u t f i t ♖ G U E S T H O U S E 6 : 0 0 I N T E R A C T I O N S : everyone at dinner M E N T I O N S :

Nahir had had her handful of dramatic dinners. From small disagreements about the food to full-out arguments over mistresses, and politics, to family feuds and the occasional assassination attempt. While nothing would top the attempted assassination of the ambassador of Catalonia, this would forever be her favorite.

Nahir tried to catch the eyes of Charlotte across from the table, hoping to offer a sympathetic smile instead of the pity she felt for the woman for the words that were being said around her. No daughter deserved to be in such a position; to hear the flaws and faults of the person that cared for you in public and from strangers nonetheless. Humiliating. But the young lady had different plans.

The words that were spoken from Charlotte’s mouth, and the intensity in her eyes as she defended her stepfather made Nahir’s lips pull into a slight smirk. A brave woman, she decided as she sipped the drink that had been placed before her. To stand up against her uncle, and before a den of lions and a laughing hyena was truly admirable.

And to actually get results!

Unfortunately for Charlotte, Hafiz sat directly by her side. You win some, you lose some, Nahir supposed.

“Being second isn’t a bad thing, vizier. It’s almost as good at being first like the Sultan.”

Nahir pressed her fingertips against her lips, holding back a giggle at the light gab. And then, as the cherry on top, Prince Auguste agreed. She coughed lightly into her napkin, looking to the side to Layla wondering if she find all of this nonsense just as amusing as she did but the Sultan spoke before she could say anything.

"...I'm famished. Farim is famished. Let's begin the first course, shall we?"

Nahir nodded, smiling towards her father as she folded her hands on her lap and waited patiently for the food to be presented. She thought this would be the end of it, until the youngest daughter spoke and brought them back to the same topic of conversation.

"Do not try my patience." Mayet had said, and Nahir had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. As if your patience isn’t the size of my thumb, sister.

"Sometimes, harsh words can teach more and be more helpful for one's growth than kindness and sympathy."

Although Nahir agreed with those words, she thought that mixing harsh words with public ridicule and humiliation did more harm than good. There was always a time and place for such words, and out in the public were not it. Still, Lorenzo seemed to be adjusting– somewhat– into his spot on the table and suggested saying grace.

Nahir hoped this wasn’t the end of the fun, and just in queue, the unmistakable hiss from Zilal filled the room. She glance to her side expecting to see the snake on Layla’s shoulders but instead found it on Charlotte before it slithered away.

“Layla–!” Nahir had tried, but their father interrupted whatever she had to say to stand and glare down at her sister. Even if not directed at her, Nahir could feel the weight and intensity of their father’s glare.

Did Nahir feel bad for Layla? Somewhat. Layla deserved punishment for the cruel prank she had pulled, but dismissing her so publicly was just as cruel as the prank. Although, to witness the bruising of Layla’s ego in such a public space was enough to appease any protests Nahir had.

She glanced at her older sister, brows pulled together into a false look of worry. Layla did not want Nahir’s sympathy, that she was sure of.

“Brother, with all due respect, why should Layla leave for her pet’s actions when it has been-”

“Father–” But she was silenced too as Hafiz had.

“Make sure she gets dried dates.” Nahir said to the servant Mayet had instructed, “Shehzadi Layla likes them.”

In truth, Nahir did not have anything to say in Layla’s defense, nor would she have shared some if she did not know their father would silence her. Instead, she left it alone and turned her attention to Charlotte. Poor Charlotte, two days now she had been flung toward a beast that seemed determined to eat her and her stepfather alive.

What must their guest think of it all?