Markus turned to her slowly, doing his best not to smirk. To his credit, he kept his composure well, though his eyes held a weight to them as they looked into Calliope's directly. "Of course, my lady." he said, his voice going even deeper and more honeyed than his usual charismatic tone, handing her the treat. She smiled through her teeth and bit into it happily. Markus hadn't the patience for this as she had. 

Still, he knew how to play along when he needed to. 

"Once she came into my service, we were unstoppable. She's truly a delight." Markus said to the Sultan, trying to keep an air of both modesty and the boastfulness of a seasoned sailor. "The sea is fickle, and my men and I can ride the waves as skillfully as any! But she has brought blessings upon our ship, such as meeting with you, excellency." The Captain knelt before the Sultan, who beamed at the statement. Achmed was livid, but he remained silent. The Sultan engaged further. 

"Such as fighting against six ships of the Blood Axes and living..." he said, grooming his magnificently white beard as he contemplated the possibilities. The Vizier approached, and Markus could imagine a dagger being summoned at but an instant with a flicker of his hand. A small scuff on the man's boot was yellowed from what most would have believed to be dried sand. Markus recognized it as Curenstone, an ingredient that is favored by less than reputable alchemists. 

"Indeed..." he said, contemplatively. He strode forward, and his long robes gave him the look of something that slithered along the ground, eyeing Calliope and Markus hungrily, Calliope a bit more so. Though if it was her former position as tyrant or simple lust, Markus could not tell. "Your highness, I am certain that your 'guests' have not dined. Shall I prepare quarters for them and bring them dinner? I am certain they are tired after a heroic journey." 

"Wise council, my trusted Vizier." He replied, clapping his hands together. A dozen exotic guards hustled into the area before the Satraps, who watched with interest, at least those that were not mingling with one another. The Sultan ordered his men. "Escort the Captain and the Lady Calliope to the eastern wing." 

"Father," Achmed said. "I shall accompany them." 

"No! You must stay my son. You need to entertain your bride to be." he replied with a laugh. Everyone was silent save for one man. A younger pasha from the remote regions who wore modest clothing and second rate jewelry, who sought favor from the Sultan by laughing heartily along with him. As he guffawed, all eyes turned to the younger man. 

The Sultan's face went from amused to grave. "You dare laugh in my presence?" he seethed, as guards seized the young man, who struggled in vain.

As Markus and Calliope were escorted into their villa, they would hear the familiar sound of steel on bone, and the agonized scream of a man who could not hold his merriment. 
[@Penny]