[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3wGoS7n.png[/img][/center]

[color=a187be]Time:[/color] 9am
[color=a187be]Location:[/color] Danrose Entrance Hall
[color=a187be]Interaction:[/color][@Helo] Callum/Leo [@ReusableSword] Roman [@Rodiak] Nahir/Zarai [@Silverpaw] Wulfric [@Infinite Cosmos] Munir [@13org] Mayet [@Lava Alckon] Farim [@Tae] Saiya/Sultan
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[center][color=a187be]"You will be allowed to come and go as you please under your father's blessing. We have no wish to imprison you, Mayet. My idea was to monitor and make sure you are leaving with proper protection."[/color][/center]

Alibeth knew this morning would be difficult. There was not much they could have done to prepare in such a short time frame. No matter how she could twist it, the monstrosity that had been the prior night and morning was not acceptable. She folded her arms behind her back and balled her fists.[color=a187be] [i]If only…[/i][/color] Alas, she knew her place was to hold her tongue now that her husband was here. She needed a moment to think anyhow.

However, holding her tongue after her son spoke, taking the blame unnecessarily out of nowhere, was almost impossible. Her gaze snapped on Callum with anger. She expected more intelligence from him. There had been no need for him to martyr. If there had only been more time, she could have gotten him on board with the plan. She was not throwing Darryn under the bus for just his and Anastasia’s sake. This was also about the kingdom. If the blame were put on him instead of the stable boy, the Alidasht could have reason to suspect their family’s involvement. Combined with last night’s antics, it may seem as if they were being made out as fools, which they clearly would not stand for. 

To say something now would only worsen things, especially with her husband supporting the notion. Though the queen was a woman normally quick on her feet, this situation was becoming exceedingly difficult to talk her way out of. As the Grand Vizier’s son spoke up, she noticed his father practically seething with anger nearby.  Despite that, it became clear that Farim was trying to smooth things over. The Sultan was surprisingly remaining calm as well and rather reasonable with his request, though one she could not quite fully grant.

Lady Zarai of the Varian Kingdom subsequently stepped up in defense of Darryn, and she almost rolled her eyes. [color=a187be][i]This isn’t the time to play hero.[/i][/color] Her pig of a husband was, of course, eager to speak with her. The girl would not get her chance to speak regardless, as somehow things would take another twist.

Anastasia apparently was feeling [i]very[/i] honest. 

And the more she spoke, the sicker Alibeth felt.

[color=a187be][i]There is no point in this rambling. Incriminating herself as much as possible, and for what purpose? Good friends? God. I should stop her. [/i][/color] 

[color=a187be]"Anastasia..."[/color]

That, of course, did no good. Even her father, who normally did his best to avoid her, was mortified with her. There was no tact nor class in her speech. Additionally, all of it was useless information. Alibeth felt it did not matter at this point who brought them to the party or even that they went. She was certain the Sultan wanted to know as much as her why they came back in such a state. From the front-loaded focus in the stories Callum and Anastasia had told, none of that information had been provided. Perhaps they could end this all if they could simply find out who threw the party and subsequently throw them into the arena. There, they could all watch the evildoer hang and feel at peace. [color=a187be]"Just tell us who threw the party, Anastasia."[/color] The queen was met with a rebellious retort in reply. 

 [color=a187be][i]Of course. Why would anything simply be easy?[/i][/color]

King Edin’s gut instinct was to get Anastasia out of the room. Their daughter was quick to protest quite passionately, so despite her initial judgment, she nodded curtly to the guards who moved to the princess’s side. While it was not one of his worst ideas, Alibeth felt simply ending this before it got worse was the best choice. Though she knew normally he’d be angry with her for speaking and not letting him take the glory, she figured in this instance, he’d appreciate ending the chaos. [color=a187be] “I propose we dismiss this event here and move on to some breakfast. It seems more investigation is required in order to find the perpetrator… Your Majesty.”[/color] She angled her body to face the Sultan.  [color=a187be] “If this is alright with you, My husband and I would like some time to gather intel from my children and whoever else we can. As soon as possible, I will then meet with you again with all the answers you desire. Whatever steps are necessary to make you and your family comfortable and happy here, we are willing to take.“[/color] She glanced toward Wulfric, wondering if she was on the same page as her.