<div align="center"><strong>Olivia Wilde</strong></div><br/>Olivia respectfully averted her gaze as the King got undressed and lowered himself into the water. She was used to his silences and could always hear what was left unsaid. She had tried to emphasise some of the warrior-like aspects of Theirian culture, such as their unique and deadly fighting style as well as their skills in the martial arts. However there was simply no escaping the fact that the people of Theiri were far more like her than him; a fact which excited her more than she would ever dare admit. She wanted to travel out of this swelteringly hot nightmare of a kingdom, filled with warriors and cretins, and go to the cool, temperate land with its love of more worthwhile pursuits. With the King’s gaze away from her, she allowed herself to break her composure for just the slightest second. She slowly sank a single, pearly white tooth into her full, gentle lips; a tiny quirk that showed itself when she was upset, and her eyes began to soften. Then all of a sudden it was gone, buried beneath the cold, emotionless mask she always wore.<br/><br/>She was deeply lonely here in Nydewia. And she could tell by the King’s mood that he was too. The excitement, the adventure on the open desert plains, was all his way of coping just as opening up a book and throwing herself into a non-existent world of polite gentleman, chivalry and civility was hers. She didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. With a shining bright mind and a keen intellect she could and did manipulate the court to suit her own ends, although she didn’t really have any goals or aspirations beyond ensuring her own comforts. So much potential, wasted amongst such a wasteland.<br/><br/>She had high hopes for the peace talks with Theiri, although she knew that she wouldn’t be able to stay there. An alliance would most likely have to be cemented by a marriage, and that meant a portion of Theirian territory might potentially be annexed in the future. Haidar would wish to remain here in Nydewia so if she played her cards right, as she always did, she might be declared a Duchess of the Theirian holdings and be sent their in the King’s stead to administer the area in his stead. Yes, she decided with some finality. She would do everything in her power to ensure that an alliance was made with Theiri even if she had to go as far as faking an Aserit assassination attempt on the King’s life. She’d make sure of that.<br/><br/>Standing up gracefully she bowed. “I humbly take my leave, my King.” Turning and striding briskly out the door, she turned to look at P’Tulla. “His Majesty requires servant girls to attend to his hygiene,” she said officiously, her tone betraying no hint of what they were obviously required for. “Kindly send for them at once.” Returning to her room, she locked the door and pulled out several pieces of parchment and dipped her quill in some ink. She had much work to attend to before negotiations began, if she was going to ensure their success.