Those ocean blue discs never once strayed towards the growing altercation, although she was not foolish enough to ignore it entirely, her sharp mind constantly processing the sights she saw in the periphery of her eyes while her keen ears listened to every word. Not that one really needed to have good hearing to listen to what was being said at the table; ever since the two elite units had started to reach for their swords and deafening silence had fallen across the hall, interrupted only by the incessant barking of the wolf at Lorenso’s feet.<br/><br/>Her soft, full lips curled up into an amused smile as King Haidar lowered himself onto one knee and kissed the Queen’s hand, playing the role of the perfect gentleman beautifully. Between his proper courtesy towards his hostess and him not plunging his giant fist into King Archibald’s chest cavity and crushing his heart like a grape, Olivia was starting to feel like Nydewia might actually have a chance of making progress. That was until the wolf began to circle Queen Lyssa, a look in his eye like a predator hungrily eying off his prey.<br/><br/>She made a note to keep an eye on that one.<br/><br/>Her focus was once again drawn away when, much to her embarrassment, Lorenso noticed her trying to feed the wolf under the table. She still kept some of her attention on the royal table, although with them now sitting down and at an uneasy peace she had lost interest in all save the circling predator. She smiled courteously as Lorenso passed her a steak bone, grateful that he had looked around to make sure her momentary lack of table manners didn’t attract further attention. With the hands of a skilled “borrower”, the bone disappeared under the table as quick as a flash. If anyone had been watching and blinked they would have doubted that the bone had even been there in the first place.<br/><br/>As Sanguine approached her eyes were instantly drawn to the man, her eyes narrowing into suspicious slits as she studied him intently. The man was clearly blind, although she was not so easily placated by what many would perceive as a weakness. The way the man walked, his ever shifting stance and the way he carried himself reflected that he was a dangerous killer. Even the very air around him sent shivers down her spine. She smiled softly as the man spoke up, listening intently to his every word. His approach had been silent and she was determined to recognise not just his voice but any sound she picked up that was characteristic of his presence, just in case such details ever proved vital to her.<br/><br/>When the man, whom she overheard was named Sanguine, replied that his wolf enjoyed baked treats she smiled, her tone betraying no hint of concern or distrust in its honey sweet melody as she replied “I’ll make sure to save some of my dessert for her.” Grinning at the wolf playfully and reaching out to gently scratch behind her ears, she added teasingly “Provided she can behave of course.”<br/><br/>Turning her attention back to Lorenso she smiled sweetly before rising to her feet. “My sincerest apologies, Sir Lorenso but I find myself in need of some air.” She started to slide her chair back in and turned to her guard, her voice becoming crisp and authoritative. “Remain here in case there’s another incident. I’ll be back before dessert is served.” She didn’t bother waiting for a response or any sign of protest; she was to be obeyed at all times without exception, no matter who the Kraken Guard answered to.<br/><br/>Olivia started walked across the banquet hall gracefully, her posture elegant and her strides purposeful. As she walked past Princess Juliette’s table she turned to look at her once more, her eyes lighting up as she smiled at her radiantly. Soon she was at the doors and a pair of Theirian guards opened them for her, allowing her to step out onto the balcony. The night air was cool and crisp as she walked to overlook the balcony, the beautiful sphere of a full moon handing in the sky above while crickets chirped and sang on the ground below. She let out a soft, gentle sigh as she suddenly felt a single droplet of rain fall from the sky above, kissing her cheek gently before slowly trickling away. It was such a small, simple thing but it nearly made her cry. She had not felt the gentle touch of rain since she was a young girl, long before she was whisked away into Nydewia. Finally, she was home.