[b]Alina![/b]

“I have been quite busy since my return to my kingdom,” Shazari says, flexing how important [i]she[/i] is. Ugh! Is it always going to be like this, the back and forth duel? “My sister was instrumental in informing me of what you have been doing while I helped our husband mend. Evidently, you not only saved the entirety of Hyperborea’s royalty at the Crystal Gala, but also resisted the temptation to take up possession of the Wicked Queen’s power and not only saved the Bazaar but created an intriguing opportunity in the process.” Of course she’d be thinking about how to leverage the Watch’s chaos (you should ask Adila how they’re taking the return of Old Adila next time you see her) for Jedad’s advantage, but also... this is much more complimentary than you were expecting. What is she doing?

“When I was deceived by Ninian, the Rider, I allowed her to guide me into open hatred of you. I was easily convinced that your contempt for our sovereign pride and need to flaunt your own puissance had induced you to steal our most sacred treasure, kidnap my sister, and threaten everything I hold dear. And yet every action you have taken during my absence has proven that I was not only wrong, I was unworthy of judging you so. I let our rivalry blind me to your virtue.”

Shazari, Princess of Jedad, kneels before you and bows her head, which is now about level with your collarbone. “I must beg for your forgiveness. Without it, my guilt will gnaw at my bones until I am undone, a wreck bereft of hope among the dunes.”

***

[b]Adila![/b]

“The first thing that you will do,” the Captain says in a voice that brooks no disagreement, “is apprehend Oberon Greymane and deliver him to justice. No princess of the Watch would give up on her case halfway through the pursuit. Do you want me to die of shame?”

Oh no the nightmare is real you are getting scolded oh noooo

“Then... I don’t doubt you’ll want to travel. See Feloria. Or Devilhome.” Her smile is a knife, and one you’re glad isn’t at your throat. “Go off and explore Hyperborea." Which... doesn't answer the question of what she intends to do. Of course she's holding that close to her chest. Hard to ferret that out of one of the oldest members of the Watch around.

***

[b]Kazelia![/b]

Azora’s smile is beautiful. It’s honest and amused all in one. It’s the first time in a very long time that such a smile wasn’t at someone else’s expense—

That’s when the lariat falls down over your shoulders and cinches tight, pressing you up against your seat. Oh. It was, in fact, a smile at your expense.

“Hello, Rita,” Ninian chirps, as you’re grabbed from behind, a sweet-smelling glove clamped over your mouth. “Did we do a good job of distracting her?”

Traitors!!

“You did a great job,” Rita chirps! “Good signal.” She conspired with Ninian, huh? That gleeful grin on her face is very much the Ninian you know and love.

“Now, since you did ask,” Azora says, as Rita loops her line around and around your chest, pinning your arms to your sides, freeing your mouth up, “I think I will take to the more... martial aspects of life here. I know more about magic than any of the silly witches here; it is kidnapping where the true challenge lies.” She floats a scarf across the table and rubs it teasingly against your cheeks. “As soon as our father is defeated, the kingdoms of this world will begin fierce competition to capitalize on the instability he caused, and a skilled defeater of princesses will be highly valued.”

“Especially if she’s vouched for by the saviors of Hyperborea,” Rita says, finishing her knot work and letting Azora drape the scarf across her palm. “Though you are doing [i]no[/i] vouching today.”