[center][h2][color=8D3B72]Kalliope[/color] & [color=DDB775]King Edin[/color][/h2][/center] [color=#8D3B72]Time:[/color] Morning of Sola 23rd [color=#8D3B72]Location:[/color] The Castle [color=#8D3B72]Interactions:[/color] King Edin [@princess] [color=#8D3B72]Mentions:[/color] Cassius [@PapaOso] [hr] As the morning sun cast its gentle glow across the castle corridors, Kalliope navigated her way through the grand halls with purposeful strides. Her mind buzzed with a mixture of anticipation and annoyance, for she was about to face the one person she held in contempt yet served dutifully—the oblivious king himself. The previous night had been filled with passion and pleasure, as she had indulged in the company of Cassius. Their connection was purely physical, and Kalliope made sure to communicate her intentions clearly. Though she enjoyed his company and valued their budding friendship, she had no desire to let their encounter evolve into something more. Especially after he called out a different name last night. With a quick note left behind, assuring Cassius that she would return promptly, she had slipped out of her room, her thoughts already shifting to the upcoming meeting with the king. Her attire reflected her casual yet alluring disposition, a simple shirt and form-fitting pants that accentuated her curves. It was not meant to impress but rather to exude confidence and a touch of defiance. Kalliope took pride in her appearance, for she knew the power it held, even in the presence of the oblivious king. Passing by tapestries and ornate decorations, Kalliope's footsteps echoed through the corridors. Her interactions with the king were always laced with a hint of subtle disdain, her sharp wit serving as a shield against his incompetence. She relished in the satisfaction of making passive-aggressive jabs at him, savoring the moments when he failed to grasp the depth of her words. It was a twisted dance, one in which she maintained a fragile balance between loyalty and contempt. As she approached the grand doors leading to the king's chamber, a mixture of irritation and amusement danced in her eyes. She took a moment to compose herself, adjusting her posture and brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. With a deep breath, she pushed open the doors and stepped into the king's realm, ready to face the day's challenges and maintain her delicate game of wit and subtlety. The door opened ajar slightly, an eye looking straight into Kalliope’s. The sound of giggling women from within was dimly audible for just a moment before the door slammed shut again. There were some footsteps then hushed murmuring, King Edin’s voice audible amongst the crowd. The tail end of the conversation could be heard by Kalliope as King Edin said, [color=DDB775] “...Let her in when I tell you.”[/color] A few minutes passed, and the grand double doors swung open with a flourish, revealing the the sight of King Edin. Two women flanking him draped a cape around his back. He was dressed lavishly today and had a sparkling jewel crown adorning his head. The opulent bedroom was adorned with a multitude of beautiful women positioned throughout, their eyes fixated on the captivating redhead, their gazes tinged with a mixture of admiration and envy. Hushed whispers reverberated throughout the chamber as the unexpected presence of a new figure sparked curiosity and intrigue as they wondered if King Edin had called for a new girl. Breaking the silence, King Edin's voice cut through the air finally. [color=DDB775] “... Kallista.”[/color] he greeted, the clinking of ice cubes resonating in the drink of his hand. Kalliope's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she observed the eye from the crack in the door. She rolled her eyes as the door slammed shut and she could hear the murmurs along with the King's voice. Of course he was going to make her wait longer. Finally she was allowed entry and she walked in to see the appearance of Edin, taking him in for a moment before looking at the jealous women. It also surprised her very little that he didn't get her name right, he never did. With a polite smile on her lips, she couldn't resist delivering an insult disguised as a compliment. [color=8D3B72]"Your Majesty, you truly have a remarkable talent for turning heads and making an entrance,"[/color] she remarked sweetly, her tone laced with honeyed sarcasm. [color=8D3B72]"That sparkling jewel crown is undoubtedly fit for a king of your stature, and the cape adds a certain... dramatic flair to your presence."[/color] The King smiled wide and nodded as she spoke, aware of these truths. Her words seemed flattering on the surface, but there was an underlying hint of mockery that only the keenest ears could detect. As she curtsied gracefully before him, her eyes betrayed a subtle amusement, knowing that the king wouldn't catch on to her true meaning. [color=8D3B72]"I merely wished to give you my report now that I'm back."[/color] She began, but didn't go further as she wished to give him the opportunity to decide if he should clear the room or not. [color=DDB775] “I see… Well, welcome back, Kallista… We’ll be keeping you busy and there’s surely alot to care you up on as well, dear. “[/color] He eyed her up and down for a moment for no particular reason, then paused to raise his hands above his heads and clap them, [color=DDB775] “Alright! Ladies! Out!’[/color]The girls swiftly responded to his command, lining up by the door. The servants courteously held the door open as the room gradually emptied. Once only Kallista and Edin remained, he raised an expectant eyebrow. Kalliope maintained her composed demeanor, hiding her annoyance at the King's inability to remember her name correctly. She smiled politely and inclined her head in acknowledgment of his command, watching as the women filed out of the room, leaving her alone with the King. [color=8D3B72]"Thank you, Your Majesty,"[/color] she responded smoothly, her voice holding a touch of coolness. [color=8D3B72]"I am more than willing to serve and provide my expertise as needed after my allotted time off that was negotiated in my initial contract with you."[/color] She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She was in a prime position she had a feeling many would wish for. How easy it would be to simply imbed a dagger in this man's throat right now. To watch the shock and terror as she listened to the symphony of gurgling sounds she knew he would make. What a beautiful melody that would be indeed. Alas, this was neither the time nor place for such things. Her voice took on a professional tone tinged with pride. [color=8D3B72]"As for the mission, I am pleased to report that it was a resounding success. The target was eliminated swiftly and discreetly, leaving no trace of our involvement. The guards were expertly handled, ensuring a smooth entry and extraction. The blade used was of the finest craftsmanship, leaving no room for error. To say the Kingdom of Xador owes you for ridding them of their tyrant is putting it lightly."[/color] Kalliope maintained a calm and professional demeanor, focusing on the details of the mission while avoiding any unnecessary information that could raise suspicion. She kept her tone measured and her gaze steady, making it clear that she had successfully executed her assignment. [color=8D3B72]"I trust this outcome will be satisfactory, Your Majesty. I remain at your service for any further tasks you may require, again, after I take my time for myself."[/color] King Edin was silent as she spoke, his expression unreadable until the very moment she completed her report. Then, his cheeks puffed out as he attempted to restrain his laughter, but then he broke into a fit of it anyway. He hadn’t expected she’d be able to pull it off but she had, and now they had managed to easily rid themselves of that moron. It was hilarious how everything was working out so perfectly for him. [color=DDB775] “ That’s… That’s…”[/color] He lightly hit his chest. He cleared his throat and then said seriously, [color=DDB775] “Good work, Kallista. You can take some time for yourself today as your reward, but at some point today you will be approached for a briefing of the events. However, as you may know, the Varian and Alidasht kingdoms are currently visiting… Be on your toes.”[/color] At the mention of Alidasht, Kalliope’s blood turned to ice yet she kept her demeanor unreadable. She had heard Alidasht was there, but she didn't want to believe it. Truly she had no issue with most of them, though she worried what they thought of her after everything. How had Hafiz poisoned their minds? Even the thought of Hafiz made her ill. No, she would avoid them as best she could. That didn’t stop the anxiety from creeping in and she felt the desperate need for another distraction. Thankfully she had one waiting in her room. [color=8D3B72]"Thank you, Your Majesty,"[/color] she replied with a graceful nod, her tone carrying a note of subtle condescension. [color=8D3B72]"I appreciate your recognition of my skills and the reward of some time off. I assure you, I will be ready for any briefing that may arise, even with the esteemed guests from Varian and Alidasht present."[/color] With a curtsey befitting her station, she took a step back, her voice tinged with a hint of mischief as she bid her farewell. [color=8D3B72]"I shall endeavor to remain on my toes, Your Majesty,"[/color] she said, her voice dripping with feigned innocence. [color=8D3B72]"After all, one can never be too cautious in the presence of esteemed visitors, particularly those with... intriguing backgrounds."[/color] She held his gaze for a moment longer, her eyes flickering with an unspoken challenge, before turning to leave the room, her steps light and confident. In her mind, Kalliope relished the satisfaction of slipping in a subtle jab, knowing full well that the oblivious King Edin would likely remain oblivious to her hidden meaning. With that, she headed back to her room and the man she’d left there this morning.