[center][h3][color=#9D8573]⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆[/color][/h3][/center][center][h2][b][i][color=#9D8573]Hala Sami[/color][/i][/b][/h2][/center][center][h3][color=#9D8573]⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆[/color][/h3][/center][right][color=#9D8573]28 Sola, Night
The Grand Banquet[/color]
[@Oso] [@Tpartywithzombi] [@Tae] [@Rodiak][/right]
[color=#DFC9BA]

Hala blinked once, twice, their pearl-dusted eyelids catching the chandelier light as reality sank in: Milo had actually left them standing there, alone, in the middle of this sorry excuse for a banquet like last season’s shoes.

A slow burn crept up their spine, hot and electric. [i]The nerve.[/i] The absolute nerve of Milo St. Claire to chase after someone else while they were in the middle of—

Something stirred against their ribs—a tiny tremor that snapped their focus away from the simmering indignation. Instinctively, Hala’s hand slipped beneath the folds of their outfit, fingers finding soft fur that quivered beneath their touch.

[color=#9D8573]“Shhh, habibti,”[/color] they whispered, [color=#9D8573]“Mama’s just having a moment.”[/color]

Glancing up, Hala caught Little Miss Divine herself slipping through the double doors with another woman. Sharp as a cat’s claws, their lips curled upward. Well then, if Milo wanted to waste the honor of their company...

They adjusted their garment before gliding toward the doors. But first—

[color=#9D8573]“Nadim,”[/color] they called to the massive black dog padding faithfully at their heels. They jerked their chin toward where the Shehzadi sat. [color=#9D8573]“Go give Nana some love.”[/color]

Nadim’s eyes lit up like it was his birthday. He bounded across the polished floor, making a beeline for Nahir. They doubted she had time to register what was coming before ninety-nine pounds of pure enthusiasm planted both paws on her shoulders and began thoroughly redecorating her face with slobber.

When the Shehzadi’s gaze caught Hala through the messy kiss, they wiggled their fingers in a wave and sashayed out the doors. Their heels clicked softly against the marble as they passed beneath arched windows streaked with moonlight. A quick study of the building’s layout earlier had proven useful—quite useful indeed. They emerged into a dimly lit side courtyard just as voices carried over from the front steps.

[color=slateblue]“Are you doing okay?”[/color]

Hala’s smile sharpened as they followed the sound.[/color]