With A Gentle Smile, Maya Stepped Closer, Her Voice Calm And Steady. "The Sunrise Does Indeed Paint A

With a gentle smile, Maya stepped closer, her voice calm and steady. "The sunrise does indeed paint a breathtaking picture, Your Majesty," she began, allowing a moment of shared appreciation for the scene before them. "But I suspect it is not merely the beauty of the dawn that brings us to this place." She paused, considering her words carefully. "I find myself here, reflecting on the delicate balance of our world and the challenges we face. The weight of our responsibilities often brings us to such quiet moments, where the mind seeks patience in the familiar." The Deputy Prime Minister offered a small smile, before suggesting. " Would you join me for a walk?".

the sultan is stood among tall windows in through which the morning sun casts the individual lines of his face into shadow. with his hands tangled behind his back, chin tilted toward where the sun set over the horizon, shoulders relaxed, and mind lost to the woes of a king, he stands as if posed; still and statuesque. it would surprise no one to know that his mind was on his husband, tonight, however, his worry for ariyan was at the forefront of thought. enemies of the ottoman and persian empires lurked under every rock it seemed - rostam was growing tired of the fear that he would lose ariyan in a similar fashion to khan; perhaps that was why he was here, in the french chambers, suddenly startled out of his thoughts by the voice of another. "me?" rostam stammers, caught off-guard by the question. his face and neck flush with warmth and redness; his eyes are unable to meet the prime minister's out of fear that she would take a guess; and he clears his throat to no avail. "i...um...well, you see..." teeth meet lip. "the sun rise on this side of the palace is the best." he says quickly, perhaps too fast for it to seem natural in his tone. "yes. the sunrise is why i am here...and you?"

Lorena's fingers moved gracefully over the harpsichord keys, the melody filling her chambers with a soothing presence. She was deeply immersed in her music, finding solace and escape in each note, when a quiet "wow" broke her concentration. Startled, she turned to see her younger brother, Prince Felix, sitting sheepishly on one of the sofas. "Felix," she said softly, her eyes lighting up with affection. "You are never an interruption, hermano. Your presence is always welcome."

She stood up from the harpsichord and crossed the room to sit beside him, her heart warmed by his effort to be quiet and respectful. "It's rare to see you so calm and quiet," she teased gently, ruffling his hair in a sisterly manner. "But it is a pleasant surprise." Lorena took a moment to study her brother's face, noting the uncharacteristic shyness. "You seemed mesmerized by the music. Did you enjoy it? I can play more if you'd like, or we can simply talk. It's been too long since we've had a quiet moment together."

She smiled warmly, resting her hand on his shoulder. "What brings you to my chambers today? Is there something on your mind, or did you just miss your big sister?"

the young prince is usually known for being loud. making his presence known in every space, voice booming, steps echoing against the walls. that is most of the truth, as it is his usual stance and demeanor. however, contrary to popular belief, felix is also capable of staying calm and making himself small in spaces where he knows he needs to be. at first, this is not his intention, though as he nears his sister's chambers, and hears the gentle music, he makes a very careful attempt not to disturb the scene. instead, quietly sitting down on one of the sofas, he pulls his feet underneath himself, rests his elbow on the arm of the sofa, and chin on top of the crook of his elbow. it's mesmerizing, to hear her play, and he is much too content with not disturbing her — it's only the "wow—" exclamation that falls from his lips that makes his presence known. suddenly sheepish, he shakes his head. "no, hermana, sorry for interrupting — just wanted to stop by."

Given that none of them had much of a choice in being here, Lady Célestine had been striving to make the best of the situation. She engaged in conversation with one of the kitchenmaids, hoping they might direct her to someone with access to something stronger to drink. "Madam, I requested something other than wine and the usual ale, yet I was given this. Surely, there must be something stronger available?" The Redhead inquired with a charming smile, which faltered as she received a shake of the head in response. The kitchenmaids quickly resumed their tasks, their attention diverted by the presence of another.

"Nothing? You must be jesting. Surely, you jest. Please, tell me at least there is something stronger," Lady Célestine persisted, her disappointment evident in her tone

"Mariam," she spoke softly, her voice filled with emotion, placing the harp down on her lap. Music provided a fleeting solace, but the memories of her captivity lingered just beneath the surface. She had spent countless nights in a dim, cold cell, her heart heavy with the fear that she might never see her siblings again. Now, standing in the warm, sunlit room with her older sister before her, the reality of her return felt almost surreal. When the Spanish Queen asked about the unfamiliar piece, Lorena hesitated, considering whether to reveal its origins.The piece she was playing, she had learned during my captivity. One of the guards, a kind soul amidst the harshness, taught it to her. Instead, she smiled gently and said, "It's a piece that has been with me for some time, one that brings me a sense of peace. I thought it was time to share it with the world."

"i would never interrupt your playing." a voice had instead carried from the hall, interrupting the moment. mariam, having quietly sat, curled over her abdomen, silent and propping her chin up with one hand, to enjoy the music. it had been far too long since she had heard it. this was another matter upon which mariam had far too much guilt herself. the halls had been empty without lorena's playing. she, pacing day and night in the tactical room, attempting to find where she had been taken. how they could get her back. and it was not embarrassment that caused the cover-up. but shame that it had happened at all. "you were in a different world and i was honoured to even witness it." uncharacteristic gentleness for the spanish queen, but she was more apt to show it for her siblings, for whom she would do anything. "where did you learn that one? i don't think i've ever heard you play it."

Lady Célestine couldn't help but let out a melodic laugh as Maceon approached, his charm and confidence a stark contrast to the more reserved demeanor of the kitchen maid. "Ah, Maceon, always the knight in shining armor," she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I suppose I could use a lesson in the proper way to request a drink."

She watched as the kitchen aide, Abebe, moved to fulfill Maceon's request, her own glass now brimming with a far superior drink. "Merci, Abebe," she said with a gracious nod before turning her attention back to Maceon, her expression warm and inviting. As Abebe moved to fulfill the request, Célestine turned her attention back to Maceon, her smile warm and welcoming. "Mon cher, I could never turn down such delightful company," she said, her tone playful. "I wasn't planning on drinking alone, but it seems fate has provided me with a much better alternative."

The Redhead raised her newly filled glass, her eyes meeting Maceon's with a hint of challenge. "The occasion is simply the pursuit of good conversation and better company. So, tell me, Maceon, what brings you to the kitchens this fine evening? And are you prepared to keep up with me?"

Swallowing down a laugh with a splash of drink, Maceon shook his head quietly as a grin licked upon his wolfish lips, eyes peering discreetly at the interaction between the French woman && the kitchen aide. " Lady Célestine, you go about your request all wrong! " Maceon finally spoke, chuckling as he approached the scene, and raised an eyebrow at the maid. " She is a friend of mine. Fill her glass, please, and show her how Ethiopia treats their honored guests. The good stuff, Abebe, please && my sincerest gratitude. "

Eyes returned to hers, glimmering like oceanwater gemstones. " This is how you get things done, mon cher. " He cast a sweeping glance about the kitchens, and tilted his head with another chuckle. " Tell me not you have come to drink alone? What is the occasion, and I insist, you allow me to join in the fun. "

"Thank you, your highness," Lorena said warmly, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Your kind words mean a lot to me. Music has always been a passion of mine, and it is a joy to share it with others." She gestured for the Ethiopian princess to come closer, inviting her to sit nearby. "You are not an interruption at all. In fact, it is a pleasure to have someone appreciate the music as much as I do." Lorena thought for a moment before answering the question. "I began learning the harpsichord when I was very young. My mother taught me the basics, and from there, I had the privilege of learning from some of the finest musicians in Spain. Music has always been a way for me to express myself. Tell me, Do you play any instruments, or perhaps sing? It would be wonderful to hear about your own musical journey."

drawn  to  the  sound  of  beautiful  music  ,  the  young  princess  could  not  help  but  freeze  in  place  in  complete  admiration  .  one  definite  perk  of  hosting  others  from  all  over  in  their  home  ,  was  the  simple  pleasure  of  bearing  witness  to  their  talents  .  being  an  interruption  to  the  other  princess  was  not  kimara's  original  plan  ,  having  hoped  to  approach  when  she  finished  to  show  her  appreciation  ,  but  words  of  wonder  could  not  be  stopped  ;  a  quiet  amazing  slipping  out  in  the  midst  of  princess  lorena's  playing  .  caught  red  -  handed  ,  kimara  drifts  closer  to  repeat  herself  .  "  i  said  you  are  amazing  —  your  playing  is  truly  remarkable  .  i  did  not  mean  to  interrupt  ,  but  i  could  not  help  myself  .  "  they  compliment  with  a  soft  ,  genuine  smile  ,  gesturing  toward  the  instrument  .  "  when  did  you  learn  ,  if  i  may  ask  ?  "