Mere minutes after Luke had reassured Rhiane that a cocktail dress would not have, in fact, been more appropriate attire, she was staring at an exquisite example of that same item on a familiar face. Idly she wondered if the crown prince had been sincere with her or taking a passive dig at the woman who he apparently was no longer on the best terms with. Technically she was not supposed to know that Sophia was the lady who had shared her fiance's bed the night of the engagement ball. The palace was nothing if not a hub of rumor and gossip, however, and even if her attendants had shielded her from all the whispers running amok they could not keep her from the numerous speculative tabloids. Even peasants seldom kept secrets borne of passion for long and royalty had even less success with their indiscretions. Nothing sold better than scandal. Perhaps, however, the comment had been made by her future husband without the knowledge that his mistress (or former mistress as she couldn't be certain) was clothed in the exact garment he had directed her away from.

There was something in the posture, the body language, and the gazes of the pair that suggested their relationship had changed. Had Luke left yet another broken heart in his way? That the actress and 'Alec' were already romantically entangled suggested he was the quickest rebound imaginable or Sophia had not been exclusive in her entanglements. For a moment she considered it was the entertainer before her that had elected to end the arrangement though she could not fathom why. Truthfully Rhiane was not in competition for anyone's heart, not even her betrothed's, and she might have been willing to come to an understanding so long as she was not required to feign friendship with the third wheel. If this petite paragon of beauty wanted to foolishly concede her claim to power that was her choice to make but her presence did not for one moment make the princess elect falter in her confidence.

"Thank you, Mr. Wescott, you are too kind," she said with an appreciative smile as she bowed her head ever so slightly in gratitude. "I did not expect my interview to attract quite so much attention as it apparently has," she continued as she forced herself not to go stiff on Luke's arm. The COO was young enough it was unlikely he had any involvement in the decisions that had resulted in her mother and brother being unable to afford life-saving treatment. She, the heir to the throne, and the business professional were all still in their teenage years or early twenties at best when the tragedy occurred. It still took substantial resolve to not let her impression of the man be tainted by the history of his employer.

Rhiane was at a crossroads. She knew better than anyone how she was perceived. At home on the Black Farm she had played the part of the simple foolish woman that her male-dominated profession imposed upon her when it had suited. She had exploited the erroneous stereotype to great effect. Despite proving herself in the contest she knew that the highly educated aristocracy thought of her: that she was an addle-minded creature, whose purpose was to create children with Luke's wit, and to smile prettily for the camera. It was her choice now if she wanted to shed this image or try to take advantage of the ignorant assumptions of the elite. Had her dream of community outreach not been on the line she would have selected the former.

"I would be delighted to discuss my vision with you, Mr. Wescott. I can not, of course, guarantee that the kingdom will subsidize such a program, but I believe it could still result in gains for Evolab as well as the people. One more familiar with tax legislation might find a way to argue any vaccines provided were charitable contributions and thus can be included on yearly deductions. Additionally any expenses that would arise, as I realize it would incur travel costs and require properly trained staff, could be included in the budget for advertising as it would certainly help elevate Evolab's public image," she concluded. Princess Elect Rhiane was not just the sultry vixen that enchanted the masses on broadcast. As Luke already knew she was a shrewd woman with a business acumen rare for those in her social class.

But Rhiane was neither try to prove herself or impress. She could sincerely care less if Alec was humoring her while judging her a fool, if Luke perpetuated himself in annoyance and condescension, and Sofia was inwardly rolling her eyes at the farmer trying to reach for influence she ought not to have. The princess elect was motivated purely by her passions and a desire, conjured of hope alone and rather unstable, to be more than a placating face for the poor. There [i]was[/i] a possibility that she could offer insight into those stricken with poverty, tactics proud nobles dared not consider, and a reach for those dedicated to rebellion against the monarchy. She didn't necessarily care to stop the revolution, even if she was capable, but she did want to aid those in distress. They had not been forgotten by her no matter how expensive her accoutrements.