<i>I've not decided if I'll allow this.</i><br/><br/>It wasn't a backhand, or a pinch to his side that made him gasp, or threats presented through dulcet tones. Maybe Sovele would eventually hate the idea, but for now, Basren could tell that he was more than considering it. They would both benefit. If Sovele could see that he was the one who benefited the most out of all of them--and he would--he would come over to the idea wholeheartedly.<br/><br/>It was enough.<br/><br/>There was no need for him to press, or to thank Sovele, though he might try to later when he was allowed to be more affectionate. That would please Sovele. The dizziness melted away to lightness. He smiled up at Sovele, let him waltz him around until the end of the song. At the end of it, Basren stepped back with a bow, touching the knuckles of Sovele's hand to his forehead before doing as he was bid.<br/><br/>Alaras was still all tension.<br/><br/>"Yes," he said, smiling gently, and he didn't have to fake that. "It's expected."<br/><br/>He made sure to gather them up a pair of glasses of champagne and a few things to nibble on. Dancing all night needed energy. He had no idea what Alaras really liked, so he tried to put a variety of fingerfoods on the plate. Their seats were waiting for them, and Basren's status as Sovele's ward had them in quite good position. Basren offered the glass and food and settled in next to Alaras, his attention divided equally between his suitor and the music.<br/><br/><i>I'm not going to let him frighten me away from you. He can't keep you from your pursuits forever.</i><br/><br/>Something between another bright bubble of pleasure and then the sweep of guilt warred in Basren. Did Alaras like him so much? It seemed impossible, but maybe it was true. Alaras didn't smile much, but he didn't mind that so much. They were both determined to see if they would suit despite Sovele. It was the first time Basren had ever heard anyone declare they would fight for him.<br/><br/>"He is still unsure, but... he sees that this could be a good thing. I'm hopeful."<br/><br/>The lights had been dimmed, a spotlight bringing all the attention on the harpist. In the shadowed room, Basren screwed up his courage and gently slid his hand along the side of Alaras' knee until he found his hand. It was less to be sensual and more of a dare. He slipped his hand under Alaras', gave a short squeeze, and then returned his own hand to his lap.<br/><br/>That sustained him through the rest of the song. When the dancing started again, Basren didn't have to hide his happiness. More courtiers and lords and ladies came up to gossip with him, and though he was just as elusive in his answers as before, his smile told everything they needed to know. So did the delighted look of the Queen, and Sovele's benign inaction.<br/><br/>He found Alaras again in the crowd during another break. "I'm putting the final touches on the south section of the garden next week. Would you--would you like to take tea with me? I would appreciate an experienced eye before I leave the section to maintenance."<br/><br/>Which would give them another chance to talk, with a small escort now that Alaras' attentions had been made known, and perhaps they could even begin to court one another. He would have a week to find a few gifts, to bribe Alaras' servants to find out what he liked to eat and drink best, and to perhaps compose a few love letters.<br/><br/>"Is there a favor of yours I might wear? I have a ring for you, if you'll accept it, at the end of the night."