Irene
"I've heard similar enticings before, I hope you won't be surprised if not many people like I come forward. Traps were often baited with similar words." Dayveth still held her close, even after she lowered from their kiss. 

"And if the Durkhan House cedes their power, or otherwise loses it in some *Agreement?*" Dayveth asked, raising an eyebrow to the queen.
Joseph
His raised brow made her press her lips into a tight line, and she cast her silver glance to the entry of the bathhouse, as if someone would burst in and answer for her. "The Southern Isles is protecting the heir. I will not _lose_ power. However, if I should fall, Astoria will most likely fold back into South Feyshore, and Mikhail will take my place. Under the protection of the Southern Federation I have no doubt." She inhaled, and since conversation had turned to doom and gloom, she let her hand fall from his chest and back into the warm waters. 

"I'm not looking for another revolution in my lifetime. Stability is what I'm looking to leave behind, and if this _agreement_ leads to it, I will allow the temptation."
Irene
Dayveth resisted the urge to grimace as her hand left him. He wasn't intending to push her, or be spiteful, and he realized he was being so. It was why he softened his voice before asking his next question. 

"I commend your confidence and forethought, but I'm afraid my curiosity has not be satiated." Dayveth was lighter now as he grabbed the hand that had fallen into the water. "And if this agreement decides that magic is unstable, which it very well can be, what should happen to me then?" A teasing smile spread across his lips. "Shall I move onward, perhaps become a sailor?"
Joseph
"_If_ that were to happen, you'd still find employment in Astoria as my physician." She reminded him. A horrifying thought passed her mind, and she blinked, pushing it aside to haunt her later. "Believe it or not the position it yours, despite my threats. Vivayn doesn't get a say in my staff, and he never will." Anyanka let out a huff of a breath, using her free hand to pull her hair forward over her shoulder.

"Nothing good comes from that man." She murmured, the realization finally dawning on her. Nathaniel held no power, at least not over her or her people. His fight was with the Carters, and he wasn't foolish enough to take on her and Marshall. Not when he was actively trying to procure her armies for the task. She gained nothing from an agreement, and, so it seemed, she lost nothing in denying it either. Her best bet to get Astoria and South Feyshore on solid ground once more was to rekindle her friendship with the Pirate King. And that meant figuring out the connection between herself and Araedia.
Edward
Eric sat at a table eating his dinner alone, there were others in the hall, a couple sentries and some various nameless courtiers whose functions Eric still hadn't figured out quite yet. Dressed as knightly as usual, Eric wore his signature dark earthy greens, dark gold trims, and dark brown leathers. He was always dressed in something that seemed even a bit maneuverable. He never opted for the more restrictive fashions popular with some of the others, he needed to be able to run and move. As usual, Eric's sword belt sat on the table with his sword sheathed. A bottle of wine was corked and he a half full glass sitting on the table next to his plate as he quietly enjoyed his meal.
Joseph
Angelica normally took her meals in private. She had no reason to linger in the dining hall. She never had a reason to before, and considering there was a new budget to be made, she wasn't going to break the habit for the sake of friend she didn't have. Among thoe residing in Astoria she was really only close with the Queen and spymaster. She had working relationships with other, but finding herself in a position of authority above them tended not to make for the best of friendships when she was the one who had to jump down their throats for not preforming to standard. She wasn't like Anya; personable and shining. She was calculated, loved to feel as if she was ten steps ahead of the rest, and had a bit of an attitude that came off as 'blunt' instead of 'straight-forward' like she preferred. 

Today, however, her meal had been delayed and she found herself unable to focus with a growling stomach. She sighed, placing her left hand to her forehead as she tried once more to focus on Maith's shoddy penmanship. Another growl made her groan, and she set the letter down, folding it as it had been before locking it in her drawer. The key to which hung at her hip, and she triple checked that it was there before heading down to the dining hall to see what the delay was in her dinner.