Alexandra
A well-dressed red tiefling herald soon appeared at the top of the balcony near the head of the ballroom, opposite its entrance. Only a handful of patrons seemed to notice his arrival, but soon he caught the attention of the band playing music, their melodies dying down until full silence overcame their instruments. This eventually made most realize an announcement was about to be made, and turned to the man on the balcony. Clearing his throat, he spoke. *"Attention, attention! Thank you all for attending the fifth annual Thunder Fest! It is with a sad heart I inform you all that King Zarreus Meshoon will not be attending the festivities, as his attention is needed elsewhere for the night. The king gives his deepest apologies to his guests, but still wishes for you all to enjoy the fireworks the Order of the Mage Hands has worked tirelessly on. I hear this year's show is even more spectacular than all before it!"* Allowing the guests a moment to gather their thoughts on his words, the tiefling waited for the whispers and gossip to die down once more before continuing.

*"The fireworks will begin in one hour's time, at which I will advise you all to head to the castle grounds for the best view on the show. Please remember, these fireworks are handled by professional magicians and sorcerers, so do not fret or be feared of them. Thank you all!"* With a low bow, the tiefling nodded to the band who once more began to play their music. The herald then disappeared into a set of double doors behind the balcony itself. The guests began speaking and dancing like they had before, though much of the gossip was about King Meshoon's absence.
John
"I suppose this is just a matter of different opinions on what being called a beast garners, though I do see where you are coming from your highness." Nodding her head respectfully, a look of pity but understanding overcame the woman's face. Astalios had significantly more knowledge on battle and war, though Delsandra knew her way with words. The word politics brought a faint smile onto her face, her eyes rolling playfully. "To think, we're sounding more and more like our parents each day. One day, our lives will be nothing but I fear." With a sigh and shake of her head, Delsandra continued to listen to the prince's words, never once seeming as though she were bored or irritated with his side of things. "My 'leash' comment was more directed to how they likely feel about your kingdom's treaty with them. I understand their frustration, just as much as I understand yours. They feel slavery is the same as servants, do they not? Though that could all be a ploy to get out of the treaty now that I think about it."

_ _
At the mention of Dasvaz and Chieftain Umras, Delsandra frowned in thought, understanding fully what the prince meant. Perhaps her words were a bit misplaced. "Conquer may have seemed a bit forward, I apologize. My suggestion still stands however, perhaps forming the nation as an extension of your kingdom is an avenue, at the very least, worthy thinking about. Even if in your heart you know it will never happen. I haven't had a chance to speak with Chieftain Umras, but based on your attitude when speaking with him and talking about him now, you seem rather neutral but guarded with him." Shrugging, the princess took another sip of her wine before the music in the ballroom suddenly stopped, causing her to turn to see what was going on. Her fiery eyes fell upon the tiefling herald, a frown soon covering her face when she realized the king would not be attending.

"A shame." The princess said, turning back to Astalios when the announcement had finished speaking. "I don't believe your grandmistress Lady Scarleth heard the announcement. Perhaps I'll take that opportunity to go speak with her, if you don't mind?" Smiling at the prince, Delsandra offered a dip of her head, though she waited to hear the prince's response to her words before disappearing to the gardens.
Michelle
"How do they get any work done when they cannot take what people say at face value?" *He asked, his lack of experience showing through in the less nuanced conversation he was able to muster, even with the vocabulary of a prince and a scientist. It did not compensate for his nature, which tended to eschew subtlety in favor of overt signals and hard rules.

It was a funny turn of phrase. 'We sound more like our parents every day'. She had been a lady of the court far longer than he had been alive, and here they were, standing on equal footing. The comparison was somewhat jarring, as the Delsandra he had vaguely known as a child looked exactly the same - though somewhat shorter from his perspective - as the one he was looking at now.*

"I suppose I must find a council of my own when I am king, largely styled after my father's, composed of those I trust, and those with the necessary experience to aid me honestly. That is easier said than done, however, and should be a great ordeal." *He eyed the cup within her hand, unsure of whether to get some champagne or wine of his own to celebrate the fireworks that were about to occur.* "One that I hope to weather in due time."

*The more specific talk of Dazvaz and Lazaroth was not going anywhere, he knew, so it was probably best to drop those subjects with her and keep on with the festivities.* "You must have been watching rather intently. I attempt to *Always* Be neutral but guarded with foreign royalty that are not allies, whether they be from Lazaroth or Dazvaz. I have to entertain the possibility at all times that they are simply doing their worst and covering it with a cloak of friendliness. Treaty breaking, spying for information and infiltration... You understand." 

*As the herald entered, Astalios's head turned, and his eyes followed the speaker until he backed out of the room, a slight quirk of the lip downwards following the king's announcement of absence. He might have expected it.*

_ _
"I believe that is an excellent idea." *He remarked coolly. It had been a few minutes since the departure of Lady Scarleth, and it was probably time to check if she had taken the time to relax away from the reminders of her past. In that vein, not only were the castle grounds a good place to view the fireworks, but Lady Scarleth was one of his council members, and one he happened to trust, which went a long way towards the formation of a solid foundation of power.

He held his arm out politely for Delsandra to take, should she wish to do so.* "Perhaps you might accompany me in conveying that message, Your Highness. The castle grounds are quite a good place to enjoy the fireworks from, and I am sure good company makes the event all the merrier."

*The double purpose - his sense of unease with Delsandra had not completely faded. She worried him in a way he both consciously understood and unconsciously could not grasp, as if a faint chord had been identified by his ear, but his mind was still unsure. And of course, he protected his men. On the battlefield, in the ballroom, and beyond, Lady Scarleth was under **His** Banner, and her well-being was his responsibility.

Should she accept, he began to walk out with her to the grounds, where Lady Scarleth had last been seen leaving to.*