---

Starry Night ball

Location: Grand Ballroom

”Ever the vigilant one. I do remember your duties, Fareed. But pleasantries suggest I still ask if you are here for pleasure or for business – if anything for my own curiosity.”

”Business, as you should well know. Mine siblings do hope for pleasure to come of it, but their optimism is unfounded. Still, it did not hurt to go along with them when I did plan to be in the area originally.” Fareed states simply, once more looking around the room but not clearly seeing any of his charges. ” I would not have been on the dance floor, there is a wonderful spot on the second floor that gives good vantage and response time. There was a wonderful bit of machinery up there I hoped to examine. That would have been my relaxation of the night should things have gone to plan.”

"Nothing would make me happier than seeing your home."

He does not interject immediately, but does so with a gleam in those amber eyes. ”If there is one thing I can give my cousin and his family credit is the refinement of the Sultan's decorations. I shall never speak ill of my father, but he does lack a certian…eye for those things. Pragmatic, or practical some would call him.” Fareed pats down his jacket for a moment, making a show of it before pulling out a small folded paper that extends out to map. It was not anything that would be shown to the random or threatening, but a hand annotated map of the Sultan's palace gives a good view of what to expect. He carefully does not go into depth of what things they did to adjust the view of the Palace, but such details can be given by the more sly of the two Alidasht natives.

If you like somebody, you should just say so and be done with it. Life is short, and then you die, so there is hardly any use in standing around waiting."

But before he would show his cousin a modicum of visible trust, Fareed was…surprised. Enough that his stoic facade slipped for a second. The sharpness of his features did not so much soften as they looked tired, like a man without a thousand days rest.

”Yes…Matters such as that are better spoken aloud then aloud to drown between pages and raindrops.” The guard slips the map to his cousin before clearing his throat. ”I am afraid I must excuse myself, duty calls.” It was clear what that truly meant, even if he did hesitate before moving.

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions:@Lava Alckon Drake
Mentions:@princess Marina @Oso Ambrose

---

If time had allowed it Nolan would have given his elder brother an equally sarcastic remark except the royal crier announced a new name that had entered the hall, a Varian princess. Nolan looked towards the new entrants with reflexive curiosity and he couldn't tear his gaze away from what he saw or to be more accurate, who. Marnie, that mischievous red head who espoused her knowledge of insects and blushed with the same shade as her hair, was a princess and she stood there with that theatrical pose knowing that it would draw the most eyes towards her and he was no exception.

A light blush painted his cheeks and crawled up to the very tips of his ears, his mouth slightly agape. However, captivated with her as he was, an unwelcomed realization popped into his head: I said that to a princess?!

If there was a kind and loving god, they would have struck him down where he stood. Nolan though was spared from spiraling downwards thanks to his brother who took too much enjoyment in seeing him stunned by a woman.

The faint blush bloomed wonderfully across his face in response to his brother's remarks. "Fancy?! I mean, I..." Stuttered he. The typically publicly stoic young man's facade was broken into the flustered mess that he truly was. His lips pursed into a pout and his brows furrowed together at Drake. "Wipe that smug look off your face, Drake. It's unbecoming of you." He lifted his glass of wine to his lips and his gaze wandered back to the princess, following her and her shadow.

"She's... pleasing to the eye, I admit. I'd be stupid to deny it," stated the young man. His gaze turned down at his wine and gently swirled the glass. "The princess and I have become acquainted recently at the museum. She approached me and we both shared some common ground. Before I knew it I was walking through with her. She failed to mention, however, that she was a Varian princess."

There were details missing from their encounter, but it would be a cold day in Hell before he would tell Drake of his blunder. He would never let Nolan live it down for as long as he lived.

"If you were to ask my opinion though, her looks distract from her other qualities. I mean it as a compliment, even if she is a little devil." A smirk played on his lips.

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions: @princess Anastasia @Lava Alckon Farim

---

"The woman that your cousin is speaking to is the youngest of the Camilas, Princess Sylvia Camilia," pointed out Magnus. For someone that was so eager to make connections it sure would have behooved him to know who he was trying to butter himself up with. Well, it was not any of his business though Anastsia certainly had some thoughts on his hesitancy on matters of the heart.

Magnus' brows arched straight upwards at Anastasia's bluntness when it came to matters of the heart though there was certainly wisdom in her words and above all else there was something that he could not put his finger on. One could painstakingly strive to make everything perfect, to completely do everything right, and then the moment passes because they were not present in the moment. That sentiment was shared by Fareed, who, at least to Magnus, seemed weary though it was not his place to ask.

His pale blue eyes fell back to Farim who suggested to guess who in this room the lord had his eyes on. Magnus' mouth curled upwards and his eyes crinkled before he started to laugh with a light yet bassy quality."You both flatter me, truly, but I really do not have anyone in my heart. If I did I would not have the pleasure of either of your company though I can say that seeing a couple like you has given me an idea of what to strive for."

Magnus gave Anastasia a kind smile. "I am one to overthink when matters seem so simple when it comes to people. We can never know what's truly going through someone's head though I suppose you are correct, your majesty. One can never know unless one is forthright with their feelings. I shall take your advice to heart." He nodded politely to acknowledge her fair points.

"Not to return to the topic of business so hastily, but you misunderstood me. I value my skills highly, but a lone engineer does not meet the needs of a Shehzade's ambitions. A team on the other hand, well, I'm sure we'd have something to talk about then." A chuckle passed his lips. "But let's put a bookmark there. One should not mix business with pleasure. I'm sure my sisters would have some choice words if I were to prioritize business over finding a bride."

Location: Grand Ballroom
Attire: Starry Night Attire
Interactions @AuthenticTomb Aslam
Mentions: @Tae Ranya

---

Askel had not raised a brow in response to the Shehzade's moment of dumbstruck; his sister tended to have that effect on people. What had caused him to raise a brow was the familiarity that Aslam spoke of his sister and the fondness that tinged his smile. It gave Askel a moment of pause, questioning when Marina and the Shehzade could have met though it was not as outlandish as one would think. After all, the Varian and Alidasht delegations shared the same quarters so it was within reason that they could have met at some point during the day or perhaps even at the execution of the queen.

The prince had no reason to protest yet; he could not tell someone who or who not to be attracted to and he knew not of Aslam's character. Just as importantly, it would have made him a hypocrite if he had. Askel knew he was speaking to Ranya's brother; it was the eyes, green eyes that were so much like hers.

When Aslam asked his question, a light blush took a hold of Askel's face. He was grateful that he was facing away from Ranya lest his eyes found her across the crowded room. "Ah, well, actually yes. I promised to dance with a very wonderful woman who I gave my heart to, but if I had my way I would dance with her and her alone all night long once again." Memories of the night before flashed before his eyes, the smell of ale and the smoke of burning wood mixed with fragrant jasmine and vanilla, the sound of the violin singing and the percussion of boots cut through by the jingling of gold jewelry and her laughter, and beneath the faint golden light of the tavern, the heat between them and the thumping of her heart against his chest.

He could not help, but smile as he relived those memories in his head. "She is a beautiful not just in visage, but in wit and intellect as well. Listening to her weave words together is a pleasure I didn't know I needed nor do I think I could live without now. And her boundless curiosity! I've never met a woman with such a zeal for life; it makes me want to make her world bigger." For a moment, Askel could only think about how caged Ranya's life must've been, how restricted she was by her own family. Her desire to breathe and be free, it was something that Askel wanted to protect and nurture. "She deserves it," he added firmly.

"Ah, here I am talking your ear off. I know that I must sound like an infatuated school boy, but I am not embarrassed to admit it. It's a privilege to love her and be loved back honestly and sincerely." He looked back out towards the crowd. The more he spoke of her, the more he wanted to see Ranya again.

Time: Evening
Location: Edwards Estate and then the Ballroom

---

The bedroom smelled faintly of rosewater and hot iron.

Ariella sat stiffly before her vanity, hands folded in her lap as the last curl cooled against her shoulder. Her lady’s maid had been at this since dawn. Tightening corset laces, undoing them again, brushing and rebrushing until every strand of Ariella’s long red hair fell in perfect, polished spirals down her back. Pins had pricked her scalp more than once. Powder had been dabbed and redabbed until her freckles were softened but not erased. Just refined her mother insisted.

Refined.

Ariella stared at her reflection.

Her hair fell in glossy curls, carefully arranged so they framed her face and spilled over one shoulder. Dark makeup lined her eyes. It was subtle, but deeper than she would ever choose for herself, making the green of her irises seem sharper, almost guarded.

Outside her window, she could already hear the distant clatter of arriving carriages. The ball would be grand. It always was. Glittering gowns, false laughter, too-bright chandeliers and eyes that judged more than they greeted.

She hated it.

Hated the way people looked at her like something to be evaluated. Hated the shallow compliments. Hated pretending she wasn’t counting the minutes until she could retreat somewhere quiet.

Her mother’s voice echoed from earlier that morning “You will thank me one day, Ariella.”

She knew Nik was waiting downstairs for her already. It was time to go.

Ari stood atop the steps that lead into the foyer and she began making her way down the stairs carefully. Her large lavender gown adorned with flowers, butterflies and falling petals followed behind her.

It didn’t take long for her graceful entrance to be nothing but as she nearly tripped on her gown. Her hand gripped the railing as her foot slipped back into her shoe. Grumbling under her breath she finally made it to the bottom of the stairs as she fluffed out her gown.

Nik hadn’t been looking forward to this the same way he might have when he was younger. In his age, he saw it as an opportunity, a chance to make himself known, shake hands and get to know the court. It was less a fantasy and more grounded. He was looking forward to the opportunity to manipulate his way into a higher standing. What he wasn’t looking forward to was the way he had to go about it.

He loathed getting dressed up like this, hated how stiff and stuffy it felt. He’d always hated formal events, even when he was younger. He learned fairly early on that events like this were more masquerade than anything else. Everyone wore masks, everyone.

He’d been waiting for Ariella for what seemed like hours and he just about made up his mind to go looking for her when he heard quiet footsteps. He turned just in time to see her. Suddenly, his mind leapt back to just a few days ago when he’d admitted to her that she would have added to his tally if it weren’t for their positions. The image of her now only cemented his feelings on that topic more. Well, if it weren’t for how uncomfortable she looked.

He took a few steps closer, as if ready to catch her, when she began to stumble. ”I’m guessing no shoes weren’t an option?” He asked with a raised brow. Somehow, he knew in the depths of his heart he’d be carrying those shoes for her by the end of the night.

Letting out a sigh she shook her head ”Sadly not…” she steadied herself catching her balance after a brief moment.

Her eyes caught a glimpse of his appearance before drawing her full attention. She stared for a moment, caught in her own surprise at how well he appeared to clean up. ”You look…” she attempted to find the appropriate word. ”...nice.” she said with a smile though she meant something different.

Nik raised a brow at her. Her compliment hadn’t been what he was expecting and he turned his head down a moment to look at his outfit as if he couldn’t believe that he only looked ‘nice’. He blinked for a moment, looking up at her.

”And you look uncomfortable.” He replied, shrugging his shoulders at her. He offered her his arm. ”But at least we can be uncomfortable together, hm?” He added with a small laugh.

Ari’s expression held a blank gaze for a moment before laughing and nodding. He wasn’t wrong and she enjoyed his honesty. Nodding she accepted his arm while the other hand pulled up the hem of her dress so she wouldn't trip. ” At least you pull off your attire. I am sure your dance card will fill up fast this evening.” Her eyes glanced up at him briefly smiling warmly before following him out the door to the carriage.

”Oh, I’m sure it will.” He chuckled, already a little happy at the prospect. However, his job was to look after Ari. He wasn’t sure how much dancing he would get in tonight. ”And I think you’re the only one who thinks you don’t pull off your attire.” He added as he guided her outside and helped her into the carriage.

Ari appeared oblivious to his complement as she scratched at her itchy gloves while it slipped down her arm. Her attention drew back as she realized she was meant to get into the carriage.

Nik gave the driver a quick nodded and then deftly hopped in after her. He sat himself across from her, tilting his head slightly as he looked at her. ”Yes, I imagine your dance card will fill up too and then I’ll be too busy staring at the men you dance with to care too terribly much about the women I’d be dancing with.” He admitted with a short laugh.

Fluffing out her dress as she sat back against the carriage she shook her head ”Clearly you haven’t been to many of these. Women are like sharks when a good looking man, especially one who they haven’t seen before, walks in.” she smiled, shrugging. ”The only person who I imagine would dance with me would be Callum…” Her voice seemed to drop as her eyes flicked down to look at her feet before looking out the window as they began to move. ”I haven’t seen or heard from him since Drunkard's day…” the words slipped out almost absent mindedly. The look on her face was one of worry, as if she were holding a secret in.

He smiled at the ‘good looking man’ comment. ”What? You think I wouldn’t dance with you?” He asked, raising a brow. Ari’s eyes flicked towards him with a soft smile before looking back out the window. He'd heard that name from her before. He didn’t know if he should do a little digging or just let her tell him about it organically. From the way she talked about him, he felt it best that he let her tell him. Snooping about that was likely to only hurt his chances of her trusting him.

”Is he someone you fancy?” Nik asked, keeping his tone calm and a relaxed smile on his face.

”I care a lot about him… he’s my friend. There may be feelings…” she smiled softly thinking back at the night in the woods. ”He’s the prince, though we never used those titles. When the king put me in the cells for the night, he spent the entire night keeping me company. He understood me and never judged me.” she let out a soft sigh as the carriage bounced around while they drove. ”Something has changed though and it’s not like him… maybe he’s drunk in a ditch somewhere but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. “

Nik listened quietly as she spoke. There might have been a small part of him that was jealous that she could form such a close-knit bond with someone else. The part of him that found those feelings to be an inconvenience won over though.

”Well, from one fool who’s been drunk in a ditch somewhere before to another, I hope he finds his way out soon.” He replied with a short laugh. He turned to look at the scenery as the carriage moved towards their destination.

Smiling, Ari nodded in agreement. Taking in a deep breath to ease her nerves. ”You are probably right.”

”I know you probably don’t trust me much right now. And I know that my opinion is probably worth as much as a pile of pebbles, but… I hope that if anything happens tonight, you’ll trust that I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.” He explained, turning to look at Ari. ”I might talk to other people, dance with other women, but you are my top priority. Stay within my line of sight, please? I’ll promise to do the same.” He asked, smirking a little at the last line.

Her lips parted slightly as she caught herself wanting to argue but instead she relaxed her shoulders and leaned back against the carriage wall. ”...Deal.” she returned his smile knowing that at some point she would likely take off to the gardens but perhaps it would be a test to see if he was indeed watching. She slightly smirked as the mischievous idea came to her.

He watched her for a moment, as if trying to gauge whether he thought she meant what she said, but then realized there was no point. He would guard her all the same.

”We will be arriving shortly, have you been to one of this size before?” she asked him curiously, still not knowing much more about him than his womanizing ways.

Nik shook his head. ”No. My grandfather never wanted to send me before. But now that he’s lost his prize horse, I guess I’m next up.” He returned, a little more bite on his tongue than he meant to have. He took in a breath and shrugged.

Prized horse? She wanted to ask more questions but decided perhaps it wasn’t the right time.

”But I’ve been to enough functions like this to hold my own.” He added with another shrug. Truthfully, he was nervous but he’d never let that show.

Squinting, Ari looked at him as she bit back a smile. ”Well, this will be rather lavish. Lots of food, conversation, sometimes even synchronized dances. The king will show as well from time to time as his children tend to attend these dances, it is courting season after all. However, hearing the news of the queen…” Ari paused for a moment as she attempted to swallow back her own worry. ”I can only imagine what they may be feeling, knowing their father though he will likely force them to attend.” she knew that Callum may in fact be delighted to hear about his mother in some regards, having only his father now in his way but Annie… she already was struggling and now with the loss of her mother, she couldn’t even imagine what she might be feeling.

He let out a soft sigh, hearing her explain the event. It wasn’t necessarily like he didn’t know what it would entail, but he supposed he found it endearing that she was trying to help him.

”It will be an eventful evening I imagine…and an overwhelming one at that. So should you need some rescuing of your own, just come find me. No one will question me leaving and with you being my guard it's a perfect cover to not tarnish your reputation.” she laughed softly attempting to lighten the mood, not just for his sake but her own.

”I’m supposed to be the one saving you, little princess.” He replied with a smirk. Still, he might take her up on that offer. He greatly disliked all the stiffness that came with events like these and he could only imagine the father his grandfather would make if he bungled this.

”Though, I may take you up on that.” He offered after a beat. He felt the carriage slow and poked his head outside to have a look. Sure enough, they were getting close to the drop-off area.

”Ready to endure a night of endless torture in the form of dancing and fake smiles?” He asked with a grin and a playful look in his eyes. He didn’t wait for her reply and instead moved to open the door as the carriage came to a full halt. He held his hand out to her, dark eyes watching her.

She peered out the carriage door as Nik stood there with his hand out. There were people all gathered in small groups laughing and admiring each other's outfits. The music was already seeping out the front doors as she felt a nervous pit fall into her stomach.

Shaking the feeling the best she could she reached for his hand and steadied herself and she stepped out of the carriage. It didn’t take long for the coach driver to hurry away with the carriage as others continued to arrive. Ari’s hand lingered on Niks for a moment longer than she intended, perhaps to stop her from falling. She looked up at him and smiled before letting go.

”I don't think I'm ever ready for these.” she paused for a moment before looking over her shoulder at Nik ”Maybe your friend will be here, Kalliope. She attends these from time to time but I'm sure it will be nice to see a familiar face. I’ve not spoken to her myself but I do hope they found her…” she said softly, no tone of anything but concern.
Ari started to walk towards the door, with Nik being her guard. It was important they kept their spacing but there was some comfort in knowing she at least wasn’t alone.

Nik felt a pang of something in his chest when hearing Kalliope’s name. Nik wasn’t one for connections or commitment. He didn’t like feeling tethered to someone else, it was part of his issues surrounding romance, and yet, here he was, worried for someone he considered a friend. For all of his work on making sure he didn’t get close, he sure was close.

Not close enough. He sighed and brushed the thought to the side. It did him no good here. His eyes glanced around the space, getting a good look at the faces around them, scanning for anything he might deem out of the ordinary. He nodded quietly to Ari at her words once he was sure everything was safe.

He kept up this vigilant watch as he followed after her. He let her lead, more than happy to let the young woman take charge of her own life here. He just needed to protect her. That was his only role. Still, he couldn’t help but smirk when he noticed that at least two or three of the women he saw in the crowd were ones he recognized. He gave one of them a wink and he chuckled as she threw her nose up at him and turned. Maybe it wouldn’t be so boring after all.

color:ffce00
-Grand Ball Room-
-outfit-
-Interaction:@ReusableSword Roman @Tae Ranya @AuthenticTomb Sylvia

Munir remained close to the Alidasht table, his attention drifting between a few places in the mean time. Idly, he grabbed at the offering of morsels from his home, or rather the idea of food from Alidasht drawn from memory of someone that has visited once years ago. All in all the food was passable. However, even the most mundane home in rural Alidasht would be able to offer more vibrancy than what was on display. That wasn't the focus of the night, Munir supposed. The night was more a social gathering, than one to critique food and cooking ability.

On that front, a part of his attention was uncouthly snatched from him. Not because of the subject of his focus, of course. It was just how, despite his best efforts to distance himself from wanting to pursue a relationship with someone, or at the very least get to know them on a deeper, more personal level, he finds himself unable to stop wanting to speak with Nora.

Along that same subject still, he looked back at the new friends he just made. Captain Durmand, and Askel for this matter, were off socializing on their own. However. Munir cannot help but notice Askel looking rather intently at his sister. Almost as if...

No. That cannot be. Can it? Are they acquainted? How do they know each other? Where did they meet? That look on Askel's face... One such as Munir knows what it all means.

Infatuation.

Munir needed to know. Placing his now-empty champagne flute down, he started to make his way towards his sister. Ah. Lord Ravenwood is with her. That's fine. That is a familiar face. However, there is another among the trio. No matter. He will greet her politely but not engage much more as his focus is now on asking his sister some questions... He grabbed another flute of champagne and poured the liquid down his throat, without much decorum. His veil became crooked in the process, but he did not much care. He started fumbling with it and just as he reached the trio, he removed the veil and let it fall to the ground. "Lord Ravenwood. It is so very nice to see you. It has been too long. I hope all is well." Turning his attention briefly to one of two ladies among them now, Munir continued " My lady, the pleasure is all mine to have made your acquaintance. I am sure my dear sister is being cordial. On that subject.. Munir turned to face his sister "Dear sister. I have a few questions that may need to be asked in private, if you would spare me a moment of your time?"

Munir is trying his best to preserve Ranya's image in public, and trying to act in accordance of their current surroundings. If this was a private affair, Munir would have pulled Ranya aside, without care who was in their company at the moment, and asked her all the questions that were now firing off in his mind like arrows from archers...

---

The way Aslam’s hand had lingered on her arms had sent shivers down Kira’s spine. A grin wrapped around her lips. She said nothing and paused to sip her wine and enjoy the food nearby her. After the moment had ended, Aslam continued his discussion with Askel. As the two gentlemen spoke, Kira’s eyes gazed over to Shehzadi Ranya. The Varian Prince and her? What an interesting match. Kira remained quiet and observed the two. Aslam’s gaze lingered on Askel’s hair, and the prince in question remained polite and cordial. At his apology, Kira waved her hand dismissively with a joyful laugh.

”Oh Prince Askel, it is not a problem, but do take care, especially if you’re armed next time. We wouldn’t want an accident.” She paused and sipped her wine once more absentmindedly. ”But I promise you, it’s fine. It’s not everyday you’re bumped into by both a knight and a prince. I consider fortune to favor me.”

Their attention was interrupted by the entrance of Princess Marina and their knight, Ambrose. Her attention moved to view them both and couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows. What a pair of absolute beautiful human beings. When her gaze returned to Aslam, she could only imagine heart eyes over his face. His nervousness was not lost to anyone with common sense. Amusement rose inside of her, but she didn’t comment on it, and pretended to be busy with her wine and treats. Seeing her plate was empty, she quickly refilled it, and used it as an excuse not to comment or appear to notice.

Just then, her spine tingled. Chills ran down her spine as if there was an arctic breeze flowing inside. Her heart skipped two beats. Standing at the entrance with his bastardly father was the Scourge. Kira’s signature stoic expression remained on her face now, as her gaze settled on him. Her eyes narrowed and her right hand tightened around her wine glass. Her left hand instinctively went to her chest.

Traitor.

Friend.

Fool.

Mentor.

Scourge.

Ally

Liar.

Confidant.

Traitor.

L...

Kira took several deep breaths. She returned her attention back to Aslam and Askel with her usual playful grin and entertainment. Prince Askel was rattling off his admiration of Ranya. Those two lovebirds had fallen fast and quick. The Alidasht crew had just arrived. Kira smiled for them, though a hollowness entered her chest, but it didn’t show; no, Kira was cool, calm and confident per usual, with a hint of arrogance.

”That’s too adorable. I do see Shehzadi Ranya not too far away.” Kira’s voice was as sweet as honey. She gestured with her head in Ranya’s direction. A teasing grin was painted onto her face that didn’t meet her eyes. ”Shehzade Aslam, do you have eyes for someone?” Kira inquired as she refilled her wine and sipped it. How many times had she refilled it already? ”Perhaps a fellow redhead?” Kira teased and laughed, her gaze no longer moving towards them.

The agony from Marek’s magic still rang throughout her body. Her smile dropped each time she noticed her wine. Each time she felt an unpleasant emotion, she reached for food and wine, overindulgence be damned.

Focus.

---

---

Roman couldn’t help but smile at them both. Ranya was reserved and proper, while Sylvia was quick to brush past the compliment. He found the contrast adorable. Everyone looked their best tonight; no one wanted to make themselves a target, yet they all strove to stand out in their own way. The morning’s grim events provided more than enough reason for their caution.

“Ah, your memory proves correct. I’ve spent many a long night in your beautiful home, discussing trade deals with your father and his advisors. He is a shrewd businessman—a necessary skill for a man in his position. I do believe you were present for many of those discussions.” The Alidasht Shehzadi was quick and polite, but the sharp look in her eyes suggested she was far from the fragile flower she had been paraded around as during his visits. If anything, the past couple of weeks had proven just how surprising people could be. It was yet another reminder never to underestimate the person standing across from you.

He glanced between Sylvia and Ranya with a pleasant smile. “Oh, yes, I do enjoy the occasional delicacy.” His tone shifted slightly; flirting wasn’t his strong suit, but he could always try. “And I would not envy the man or woman who tried to tell either of you how much trouble sugar can be.”

His attention was drawn to Sylvia’s offer of a sweet tart. He accepted the treat, examining it briefly. It was certainly made to the castle’s high standards, but in his experience, there was always a fine line between mass production and true quality. Still, this one had a subtle, pleasant aroma to its delicate, crumbly dough.

“Hmm, it vaguely reminds me of something floral... like the flowers atop our mountains in the summer.” He took an exploratory bite, not wanting to seem rude or overindulge. It was an interesting flavor—not one he would actively seek out, but not horrible, either. He swallowed and nodded appreciatively. “That’s not too bad, but I still prefer the sweet rolls we have back home. It's hard to find a good pastry in this city, though a few have surprised me,” he added, his thoughts drifting briefly to his time spent with Stratya.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut in beside him. How long had it been since he last saw Munir? A few weeks, at least. The man seemed to be in a rush—he had even dropped his veil—but his attention was solely locked on Ranya. How strange.

“Shahzade Munir, what a welcome surprise. It has been some time since we last spoke; I hope you are well.” It was a polite greeting, but Roman purposely didn't try to pull the man away from whatever mission he was on. It clearly looked important.

Instead, Roman turned his attention back to Sylvia. “Have you found a favorite among the desserts here yet?”