Basren had that way of placating him like no one else, even if it was partially self-serving. And the young man had a point. It wouldn't matter even if Alaras took issue with it. He was the King. He could fuck who he pleased, no matter their husbands. The idea of getting Basren with child had always appealed to him. Maybe he knew that, even if Sovele had been scathing at times when it had been suggested.<br/><br/>“You want it just as badly as I do,” Sovele whispered, realizing this. Basren was always so sweet and willing. What would he have to worry about, even marrying him to a man such as Alaras? Basren was his, and even the young man it that way. A marriage in name. Sovele would make sure that it didn't go much beyond that, if he even considered it at all. He wouldn't let anyone take Basren away, as much as his wife wanted to be rid of him. Basren's husband could handle all the things Sovele didn't care to deal with, while he got to pick and choose what he wanted.<br/><br/>“I've not decided if I'll allow this,” Sovele admitted, letting Basren go once the dance was over. “Go to him for now, lest more rumors sprout that I've<i>scared off</i>your best chance. The entertainment is about to start.” The King went to gather up his wife, and they seated themselves to indicate that they could proceed with the evening, and the dances would be paused for the time being.<br/><br/>A wooden harp was pulled out the the center of the room, and a pretty singer seated up against it. Something relaxing to watch, listen to, and give a moment of respite. Nothing like the performances the King would line up for when he entertained at his palace, but Alaras still marveled at her, at least until Basren drew close to him. Alaras was frowning slightly, unsure what to make of the King's words to him. Even more weary of what he'd said to Basren.<br/><br/>“Can you sit with me?” Alaras questioned, unsure if that would be a wise maneuver for either of them. Seating had been arranged, and he led him over to it once he gave indication that he thought it would be alright. He leaned closer for a moment, pretending as if he was straightening his clothing.<br/><br/>“I'm not going to let him frighten me away from you,” he told him, though it was clear at this point Sovele hadn't been backing the arrangement. He didn't know how to get him to agree, but perhaps appearing unphased by his quiet threats, and going in the proper order of things in courting Basren were a good start. Sovele would have to be willing to loose some of that subtlety to really impress upon him the danger, and he wasn't sure he would risk more rumors, especially when Alaras was being so public and straight forward with his intentions.<br/><br/>“He can't keep you from your pursuits forever.” It would look worse the older Basren got. Right now it was just a King doing what a King does. Soon his favoritism might be seen as something more. Something for Anis to truly be jealous over. They'd come this far, and retracting only to try to angle himself differently might paint Alaras in a more conniving light.