Jinayah was very pleased to meet Sulhana on the way to breakfast, before everyone else. Sulhana did not always tell the truth, but Jin would have known if the armor was a mistake by how smoothly she reacted to it.

“Oh yes, Father is going to have a royal conniption. I’m ready for it. I’m very tired of hiding myself.” She said with a prideful grin. 

They fell into step together, heading toward the dining hall. When Hana said she’d pluck the princes’ eyes out for not finding her beautiful, she chuckled and shook her head. “It’s not about the beauty, Hana. It’s about the respect. Always has been.”

Then they entered, and she bowed to her father. “Good morning.” She did her best to keep a smirk from her face as she locked eyes with the man. There was a battle of emotions behind his eyes, at least the ones she could read. Surprise as he took in the armor. Confusion as this was not her usual male clothing. A sudden flash of anger as he realized where it would have come from. She almost saw his mouth make to open, but by the end, it did not. Perhaps if they hadn’t had guests, there would be an interrogation. Instead, there was a look of wan acceptance, and then distraction, as Jin finally settled at the table with a polite clanking of metal.

Sulhana had given her pointers on how to read people’s faces years ago. She said that those were the unspoken words, and that they often mattered more than what left the mouth. Jinayah had found this true. No one would outright say that she couldn’t do these things. But their expressions certainly hinted at it. It was worst around the older nobles. Most of the time, new courtiers were confused. Shocked. Scandalized, even. Funnier, some of the younger nobles seemed amused, or even pleased. Especially the daughters. She was used to all of it, but she wondered just what level of reaction proper armor was going to get her.

The princes were beginning to filter in now. She greeted Prince Vyarin with a little smile and nod. It seemed his Astalian had improved. Perhaps he’d studied even after the party? If so, good on him. Prince Erick was another story. She’d stopped him in his tracks – that, or the sun had. He did have quite a lot of wine last night. But she tilted her head in a very proud way as he too, sat. 

Now all they needed was Prince Alvaro, who she had yet to really meet besides the polite introduction.