Soot sat nearby trying her best to remain calm and professional. Although the dinner with the Sultan had not been what she expected it was still delicious. If Soot wasn’t as familiar with Palace life, it would have been life changing. But occasional lunches and gifted food had made the painter comfortable with the servants level of second hand luxury.  

So as she sat, well fed and made happy from the wine, as the Vizier scanned her work. Although Soot was feeling confident, she had lingering doubts that another blunder would see her station reduced to that of a street rat. So she steeled herself with the knowledge that at least it would end with this royal treatment. 

Her fears were eased as the Vizier looked over the sketches. Barely any reaction, which was good, the usual. But she straightened up as Ruz spoke. Soot had thought that the picture was good, but hadn’t realised quite how emotionally loaded it had been. She smiled awkwardly as she realised her heart had been laid bare. 

She looked up at Ruz, tilting her head and smiling softly in a slightly generic comforting face “Of course Grand Vizier...” Vizier. Burden-Bearer… Soot had no doubt the job was stressful and she had no reason to doubt Ruz but there had been a strange air to the interactions with the Sultana that had left Soot thinking. 

“I am certain your wisdom will impart upon her with time, and a fine Sultan she will make” Soot continued in her flat tone,  “There’s too much at stake to hinge on the pride of a girl. I could hardly imagine the havoc that would be caused by the Fire Wheels [i]without[/i] your control.”