The servants made quick work of the luggage, and retired to their quarters shortly thereafter. Sophia sat out on the balcony, looking out over the moonlit city. It was quite beautiful, the way the moon shimmered against the towers and spires of the palace. In the distance she could see figures of townspeople going into their homes for the night. It seemed everyone was preparing for the next day's events. Enjoying the peace and quite on the balcony, Sophia pulled her flute from the pouch at her side. It was a delicate instrument, and the carved ivory shone bright under the light of the moon. She brought the instrument to her lips and took a deep breath. A lilting melody drifted out over the balcony. It was faint, but beautiful nonetheless. The princess sat on a stool, rocking back and forth in time with the slow floating melody.

 Jezin sat inside the room. He could hear the music outside on the balcony. Her usual routine, he thought. Sophia was the youngest of the Octavia sisters, and the only one with no martial training whatsoever. As such, she delved farther into the softer more refined parts of life. As her bodyguard, he had heard her sit out on her balcony playing the flute for hours on end before. For a moment he considered how odd his placement was. Here he was, a battle-hardened killer, entrusted with the life of this personification of innocence. He shook the thought off. Who better to protect her? He had removed his spear from its wrapping and was carefully polishing its blade. If he were to take part in the tournament, he would be sure Lyok was well-represented. His shield and helm lay beside him, already glinting, even in the faint torchlight that lit the room.