Aisha smiled slightly as she heard the veiled and not-so-veiled insults flying above her.  Diplomacy under the regent had been much more boring.  "Surrender your lands and wealth and I may yet let you live" had been an oft heard phrase.  One of the girls had done a spot on impression, until the regent had heard of it and had her tongue torn out.  Poor Selina.<br/><br/>She returned Gaist's smile and posed slightly - the Empress didn't seem to be planning on turfing the Harem out of their comfortable quarters but the Royal Bodyguard couldn't possibly be a bad ally to have if there was a new broom coming.  As he leant over her she beckoned him down.<br/><br/>"<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 8pt;">Unless I miss my guess totally, I think she'd appreciate a couple of the girls coming over to her bedchamber.  Mentioning no names, but I can think of at least two who are, well, more interested in the rest of the harem than the nobles.  Also, I know this woman from somewhere.  I can't for the life of me think where but red hair isn't that comman in Shantarra and I'm certain I remember her from somewhere.</span>"<br/><br/>She shifted her position on the cold stone and glanced enviously at the cushions the courtiers had been provided with.  Hopefully there'd be more insults soon.