Ah, it seemed Paytin was right, she was determinedly faithful to the Prince. Taris gave an internal sigh, but kept his smile firmly in place. "Of course, Your Highness. Please forgive me, I forgot myself. Please believe it was not my intention to seduce you away from the Prince." [i]Yes it was, and i'm going to kill him as well[/i], he shook the thought out of his head. Such thoughts had no place here. If she wouldn't let him warm her bed, at least she hadn't had him thrown out. It was enough for now. His eyes met hers and a genuine smile lit his face, "But i hope you wouldn't begrudge me my opinion on that dress. It just seems so... human. Something grey or blue would fit you much better."

From outside in the yard an enormous cheer went up. Taris looked to the nearby window and hissed in pain as the sun seared his eyes. He took a moment to blink the spots from his eyes, damn but he hated the sun. Had so much time passed already? "It seems your husband has returned, Milady." Was that a flash of disappointment across her face for a second? "I fear that I must excuse myself for the time. I have things I must attend to for the tournament. With your leave of course." He bowed over her hand once more, this time leaving a carefully measured kiss.

"Of course, Taris, perhaps we shall see each other at the banquet tonight? Good luck to you in the tourney," Aera said.

Taris gathered his bow and quiver, and gave a last bow with a flourish. "Thank you Your Highness, I eagerly look forward to tonight," he told her, before stepping back around the bookcase, and pushing through the wards into shadow.