In the Queen's Private Chambers
"My name is Dalton your highness, I am Shin royal adviser and guard. Also off record I am his friend." Hadaio smiled at the young man and caught a wink of color in his eyes. Now, most dragons carried a speck of color in their eyes that related to the color of their scales, but Lycans' eye colors remain to be a glowing golden yellow that reflects light in the dark. Hadaio wasn't sure if what she saw was of a dragon or a lycan, but she will find out in due time.
"It is rather rude to focus more on a adviser to my son then to the father of one of your children."
Queen Haidao rolled her eyes playfully, "Oh Lord Sarthath, I merely asked of his name and no more. Are you playing jealous today?" Mikal would bow his head to the queen pulling out her a chair so she could take a seat with the King. "Please, sit. Anyone approved by Lord Sarthath, is approved by me."
"Is there anything you wish I get for you, my highness?" Mikal asked humbly.
"No, thank you Mikal." As Mikal moved towards the door where one of the palace guards had entered and was standing in wait, Haidao began to ask of Lord Sarthath's household, how has things in his kingdom been since the dangers of Vladimir began to darken it, but Master Mikal returned with message.
"Your majesties, if I may interrupt, It seems Prince Shin has taken flight and wandered into the woods, Should I send…….."
Sarthath let out a loud laugh of amusement. "Do not worry about my son, he is like this. If his dragon nose spells a new creature he will go out and fill his curiosity. That's why he has a Lycan like Dalton as an adviser and friend."
Hadaio was shocked, but not alarmed, not as much as Mikal was. He opened his book of spells in defense. "How dare you bring a dark creature into this holy place?"
"Mikal!"
Dalton stood in defense himself, letting out a large growl to prove to Hadaio's ears the truth to Sarthath's accidental confession. "How do you bare your holy books towards me! I am a guest, a friend to the Shin and Sarthath. I own my life to them."
Lord Sarthath gave her an apologetic expression before turning towards the town men, letting out a breath of crimson fire that caught their attention instantly. "My Queen, I trust this man with my son's life and you know we are allied with you. So why would you distrust my decision in letting a friend join us?"
"I haven't given any distrust about any decision as we stand," the Queen stood from her chair and glanced towards Mikal. "Stand down, Master Mage, there is no need for defense here."
Returning her attention to Sarthath, she nodded her head calmly, "I believe you have your reasons for allowing a Lycan to reside in your kingdom and hold title within your court. But, just as you felt it rude for me to focus my attention on Sir. Dalton rather than you, I also feel it rude that someone whom I hold a great love and respect for would hold such secrets from me, knowing the situation my household stands against. We've known each other far too long to do such." She tilted her head with a light grin, reaching up to touch Sarthath's forearm, "I trust your judgement, Sarthath, no matter how much I dislike it."
Queen Hadaio then turned to Dalton, feeling his discomfort from the misunderstanding crowding the room. Stepping towards him, her long gown trailing behind, she reached out to take hold of his forearm as well - a warrior's sign of respect. "You, like all others, know why I feel slightly uncomfortable about learning your race, but Lord Sarthath - I trust with my life. Therefore, I know there's a reason as to why he trust you. You are welcome here, upon my word. I do not foreseeing this changing anytime soon?" She glanced at the young man with eyes darkening in warning; yet, still warm and welcoming, as if almost cheery. Queen Hadaio is a very fair and just Queen, but can be extremely dangerous when her family or her people are involved.
"What the Hell are you two doing!!!"
Shin entered with several others at tow. Hadaio turned in alarm, wondering now that her guards must be out to lunch, for they're allowing the entire village to visit her private suite. Good thing she's dressed for the evening. But no more nonsense, she raised a calming hand towards Shin and his friends, "It's quite alright, Prince Shin. There is no conflict here - just a slight misunderstanding, now understood. Please, join us... and introduce your friends."
********
In Nahra's Private Chambers
Erlan opened the door and walked into the room. "I was checking to see if you were ready," he said, trying to hide his rosy cheeks. "Um... y-you look lovely."
"Thank you, Erlan...," Nahra wasn't sure what to say with him staring at her so strangely. She wasn't embarrassed, but she could feel her face flushing as if she caught the flu. She looked down at her hands before her to avoid his eyes. Her maids began to collect her things, and the hem of her dress. "I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
Suddenly, Nahra felt nervous and anxious all at the same time. She has plenty of birthdays and elaborate parties that go with them, but this was such a big moment for any Elven - 100 summers was a big thing. But somehow, her mother was making this birthday event bigger and better than ever - a week's worth of celebrating, all the allied kingdoms are invited, and all of Gaaholo's kingdoms small and minor. Nahra's never been to anything like it! Mainly because her mother Hadaio rarely allows her out of the castle unless with her, Celesta, and Sir. Erlan.
Celesta crossed her arms as she watched the two, wondering just when they'll get over themselves and speak their hearts. But, instead of embarrassing them both with speaking the truth for them, she just stepped behind Erlan and grabbed Nahra's hand. "Will you two quit all the goggling and just come on! We're not late, which is good, but if you two keep this up we will be!" Celesta began to drag them to the door.
"Where are we suppose to go?" Nahra pulled herself from her sister's control and began to follow her with her free will. "I don't really know what I'm suppose to do or where I should stand? Mother didn't explain a lot to me about large parties like this... I don't feel so good about all of this."
