Lester
Audience with the guild representatives was, as always, *Exhilarating*. A whole twenty minutes spent just on introductions and city gossip - absurd. Not to mention that now there was an *Apiarists Guild* Petitioning for greater standing in Luminia's guild sector, and she had to be the mediator and final say on whether they got a shop at all, how much presence they were allowed in the city, the prevalence of their banners... Just dreadful. Necessary, but dreadful.

Of course, not much better was the prospect of the visiting prince. Again, necessary, but what she'd heard of the young royal had not been particularly enticing. Certainly, he was sweet, that was a unanimous understanding, but he had no eye for politics, no understanding of the games of the court. He likely was entirely unaware of the potential dangers facing him outside of his coddling little bubble of the Capital. All of what she was used to would mean nothing to guileless ears, to untrained eyes.

Perhaps she assumed incorrectly. Perhaps he was uncomplicated, a gentle soul, and would make for refreshingly honest company. She doubted it, but perhaps. She left the conference room - decidedly separate from her throne room, as she did wish for there to be proper discussion when her attendance was required for meetings - with her guard hot on her heels, always eerily silent beside her softly clicking heels. She would meet the prince at his arrival, as was customary in Velaris; gods forbid the ruling family of the Empire be made to kneel before the throne of a vassal state. The grand front doors swinging shut behind her, she folded her hands neatly in front of her and settled in to wait.
Sarah
Looks good, will respond soon!
Kiara
Awesome, take your time! I've got a meeting in an hour anyway 😔