“Oh yes,” Sovele agreed, smiling. He was staring at Alaras with open appraisal, though there was something decidedly unfriendly about it. For most men, a look such as that was enough to make them uneasy based on the rumors. Sovele wondered how worth it Basren was to him. The Langlais boy had never been known for his bravery, but neither had he been known for his fine looks either. A lot had certainly changed while the young man had been away with his studies. He could tell Basren was seeking his approval, and he wondered who had filled his pretty head with the thoughts of possibility. Was he guilty of that, or his wife he had to wonder?<br/><br/>“Save a dance for your King, later in the evening, Alarastian,” Sovele told him, and he took his wife by the hand gently, his actions betraying his true feelings.<br/><br/>Alaras and Basren started the evening off with one of the more innocuous dances, and if nothing more came of it, it would look like a polite thank you. Alaras took other partners after Basren, using them as practice as he gained his confidence. Basren, of course made him look better since he was willing to lead the dances Alaras wished he was more experienced with. Luckily the Langlais boy was known for his two left feet. He was at least living up to that, assuredly handsome, but he didn't have to fake his clumsiness.<br/><br/>Alaras was determined not to appear cowed when he asked Basren for the second dance, even when he knew it would start people whispering. He knew Sovele was watching, for as much as he pretended disinterest. Everyone was watching, no matter their desire to try and hide their nosy, gossiping nature. His interest was finalized when he came to Basren for a third dance, asking for his hand for the pas de deux, no less, a dance of a more intimate nature.<br/><br/>They maintained a closer hold than the other dances, but nothing inappropriate. Though he was showing his interest, they were not near official yet. He wouldn't do anything to compromise anyone's reputation, though asking for this dance in particular was a rather bold statement for Sovele. Most people usually had more sense. His cheek brushed Basren's, close enough that they could speak to one another without anyone noticing.<br/><br/>“I've even less practice with this dance,” Alaras admitted, hoping that he didn't make a fool out of both of them for his choice. “I am not so sure Sovele approves.” The man had shown little enough, but he couldn't shake the ominous feel that he'd been left with when Sovele had told him to save a dance for him. He'd yet to take a dance with Basren either, though he could imagine the cold King was calculating exactly when he might do so.