Nawra watched as her three new servants departed to await her instructions in a small side room accompanied by sergeant Btwani, and once they were inside captain J'Lail shut the door securely and peaked through the key hole to make certain the sergeant was blocking any of them from listening in. Giving her a nod Nawra sighed in relief before nearly grabbing her mane with clawing fingers but after a deep breath and sigh regained her composure. Pacing for a moment she finally stopped and taking a quick look at her personal attendant ordered him to prepare her evening dress for the banquet along with a set of matching jewelry while J'Lail watched Nawra quietly as her pacing continued and led her between the two rooms.

Here and there she adjusted the various items that had been brought up from the yacht, the new servants had been quite useful in stocking the room to her tastes and now that everything was laid in the appropriate place it looked far more homey and less a temporary prison. She had refused to correct them when they had misplaced something entirely and instead decided to make "small adjustments" so it was in the right area, but now that "they" were safely locked away behind closed doors she could move the items around at will. A task better suited for her attendant but he had other matters to attend to now and moving things around to suit her was calming in an odd sort of way.

"Princess Nawra?" Captain J'Lail coughed quietly drawing her attention away from adjusting the location of a mid sized painting depicting her family, Jubril included.

Nawra glanced sideways a moment. "Yes?"

"You should be getting ready to depart and spend no more time dwelling on what has transpired. The banquet begins at nightfall and it shall take time to-"

"I am well aware of my duties, but..." She trailed off and looked at him and then the shut door.

"Fareed has a method to his madness and we both know he is trying to get something from you, perhaps a response he can use to justify invasion of the kingdom or... In all truth my princess he could be planning anything."

"Which is why I am disturbed. Anything could happen and when dealing with a snake like Fareed who on one hand makes a point of showing absolute civility, but will in the same breath have your throat slit on a whim. His laws are both absolute and non-existent, a dangerous combination and for whatever reason he has set his eyes on me. I would like to know why."

"Only he could answer that question and to ask would be an affront to him, but you are correct there must be a reason though we do not have the time to figure that out now."

"You are correct." Nawra stopped fiddling with a small box and rocked her head back and sighed before looking at the side room where her attendant was preparing things. "Pijasiros, is everything laid out?"

Entering the room quickly and standing aside Pijasiros nodded quickly. "Your dress and jewelry is prepared, whenever you are ready..."

Walking into the room and shutting the door behind her Nawra quickly undressed and after slipping on the new dress she looked in the mirror before nodding. "You may enter again."

Returning quickly the attendant opened the jewelry boxes one at a time and carefully adorned her neck, arms, mane and ears with a set of emerald jewelry before standing back. Looking herself over in the mirror and making a few final adjustments to suit her own interests the princess nodded and returned to the central room.

"How do I look?"

Both Pijasiros and J'Lail nodded quickly though the first spent more time looking her over carefully and nit picking a few details before stepping back again. J'Lail watched the servant finish before smiling at Nawra and giving a short bow to her.

"You look quite regal and are a testament to your kingdom and family."

Nawra gave a smile in return before looking at the closed door which kept the four in quietly detained. "Now we require a guide."

"Which one? #18 or #22?"

"If I take #22 to keep her away from whoever is left behind it could cause problems as #18 has failed in his duty... #18 it is, he needs a proper name though."

"Agreed, shall I fetch him?"

"No, they respond "only" to me and if you called they would not respond immediately? Perhaps that is all part of this madness... After it was realized I did indeed call for them through you and failed to establish this little order of command earlier he would be punished once more by #22. No, I will get him. Fareed will not win any more than he has already, today at least..." Raising her voice Nawra looked at the door. "Sergeant, open the door."

The door swung in and Btwanis looked in. "Yes princess Nawra?"

"You may re-enter the room but stand aside." Btwanis entered and moved aside revealing the three servants standing riggid in the next room, gritting her teeth and choosing her words carefully she pointed. "#18, come here at once. Sergeant, return to the room and shut the door and guard it as you did before."

Wasting no time the gelded zebra entered the room quickly and dropped to the floor. "Your orders princess Nawra?"

Nawra waited until the door closed securely and counted to ten before motioning with her hand for him to stand. "I want to know your name."

"#18."

"Correct, that is your current name. I want to know your name before you were called #18. Please do not act like her and refuse, it may be forbidden but as I am the one asking you it is allowed just this one, yes?"

He hesitated a moment and glanced at the closed door quickly. "My name was #42-764B"

"What did the B mean?"

"Group B."

"What did you do?"

"I was a laborer in the royal warehouses, my duty was to haul goods, clean and assist with minor repairs of the ships."

"What was your name before they called you #42-7...B."

"I was always called #42-764B."

"Even as a colt?"

"Yes princess Nawra."

Captain J'Lail let out a sigh and shook his head. "Poor bastard, even my own slaves have names and are not treated this poorly."

"Captain..." Nawra glared and J'Lail held a hand up and remained silent but as she debated keeping his current name or changing it she froze. "If I name him, that will single him out to Fareed unless I name the others but if I do the names must not show endearment, they need proper names and even... Deserve them despite how dead and soulless they are."

A knock on the door drew their attention and captain J'Lail immediately put his hand on the hilt of his scimitar before asking who was there, it was nothing more than just a final reminder that the banquet began shortly and if they needed a guide. J'Lail called for them to go on their way and then nodded to Nawra.

"We should be going, I will leave the sergeant behind to guard your quarters. Do you wish to have your personal attendant follow as well?"

Nawra shook her head. "No, not tonight." Looking at #18 she pointed towards the door. "You are a guide around the palace yes?"

Nodding quickly the zebra bowed his head against the floor once more. "Yes princess Nawra."

"Good, lead the way. We are going to the banquet hall."

"At once."

Walking to the door he opened it and stepped outside before waiting as the captain called the sergeant back into the room and gave him a set of instructions before departing with Nawra in the middle. Outside the room a single mercenary stood guard and after nodding to her the mare shoved #18 aside and walked out of the building calling to the other mercenaries outside. By the time Nawra and her entourage got outside there was a column of mercenaries waiting, blank faced and staring ahead mutely. They did not ask where she was going and for that matter Nawra had no desire to address them for any reason, not now, not ever.

#18 walked a short distance before stopping and turning. "Do you wish to take the long or short route princess Nawra?"

"The short route."

Holding out his arm #18 nodded and turned and walked down a path leading into the greater palace's interior. Following him she stole a glance backwards as they began moving and watched as the mercenaries jolted into movement, three stayed at their backs while two rushed forward now that they knew where they were going and which route to take. As they marched rapidly past them and ahead of #18 she noted how he involuntarily flinched almost violently at their passing. Moving deeper into the palace, bending and turning so they could arrive as quickly as possible she noticed how her newest servant had also begun to develop a faint shaking problem as the two mercenaries marched just ahead of him.

The palace interior was gorgeous, massive pots held plants along the various corridors and were well watered, tapestries hung down displaying the symbol of Fareed's royal family along with his own personal markings. Braziers lit the way after a while filling the air with the faint aroma of incense that was twinged with something else she recognized as helping to keep the insects away. It was not long before they were no longer filling the air with the sound of clacking hooves, a rich carpet had been used to line the entire hallway leading into the banquet hall and the number of guards and servants had also rapidly increased.

Captain J'Lail leaned forward and whispered into Nawra's ear, "he is quite serious about the security even if nothing else is genuine."

"Of course Captain, it would be uncivilized if one of his guests were injured or were dispatched on his watch." She glared at the heavily guarded double door ahead of them before leaning back to J'Lail. "But that does not mean he can not toy with us nor destroy us from the inside out."

"Just smile."

Nawra smiled at the captain making his eye twitch. "Of course."

#18 stopped before the door and quickly stepped aside. "Princess Nawra, we have arrived. I hope the journey was not too long."

"Your timing was perfect #18. Well done."

"Thank you princess Nawra."

Captain J'Lail stepped forward towards the guards but they looked at Nawra and one gave a rehearsed bow and spoke first. "Welcome to the banquet, courtesy of his greatest majesty, Sultan Fareed." Stepping back into place they grabbed the door handles and swung them open allowing Nawra and her entourage to enter.

The interior of the banquet hall was vaster than in Labrad and as she examined it while stepping inside it was clear the room was meant to seat a far greater number than were actually present. It was hardly at capacity even with all the servants and handful of guards standing along the walls, a table for every guest including lounge space, additional tables along the sides with more food and then finally; the raised stone platform at the far end where Fareed's table sat sans the monarch himself.

Everything was decorated to perfection and well lit while servants stood aside carrying fans on long poles waiting quietly, a few were already employed and were gently fanning a few of the guests. After looking for a table to sit at both away from, but close enough to other guests so as to not be rude Nawra was halted by a servant who moved quickly and bowed rapidly.

"Princess Nawra, your table is ready."

"I see..."

Turning away they spoke loudly and clear causing the gathering of guests to stop and look up a moment. "Introducing the envoy from Labrad, her majesty, princess Nawra of Labrad, honored guest of his majesty, the sultan Fareed."

She received a number of nods from around the room and returned them while others completely ignored her and returned to their quiet conversations and dining. Giving her another bow the servant clapped his hands quietly and motioned to another servant who hurried over.

"This one will show you to your table but... His majesty asks that your guard and your toy, though he may join you! But he asks that you do not distrupt other guests."

Nawra gave a sneering smile at the servant making them flinch. "Are you suggesting I would act as a common peasant?"

"Forgive me! I-"

"Show me to my table. #18, I will beckon if you are required and until then you will remain out of sight." She turned to follow the other servant and made a silent prayer this would keep them both from having certain problems.

"As you command princess Nawra."

Following the servant to her table as #18 was pointed off to a small area by the announcer so he would remain out of the way but able to see his owner, Nawra examined who her dining companions would be. One table was as of yet empty but the other had a stallion lounging quietly who looked up at her and smiled before nodding and sitting upright.

"Princess Nawra, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am emir Ruhak of Samati."

Smiling and bowing to the stallion before sitting Nawra looked the slightly older stallion over. "The pleasure is mine your lordship."

Sitting down Nawra looked over her empty table but before she could call for the servers one was already at her side and kneeling down beside her they listed off the incredibly lengthy menu that was available. Listening quietly Nawra began listing off her interests from the dolma, hummus, pita, meddamas, fattoush along with other fruits and wine while ending with basbousa. Ruhak half listened before suggesting she try the maghmour as Fareed's cooks had outdone themselves, smiling at him and giving him her thanks she finally asked for some chilled maghrebi tea. Satisfied that this would keep up appearances as being a serious diner much like Ruhak and many others she could see had done Nawra leaned back into the pure silk cushions and relaxed.

There was not a single poison tester in the room save three who had already sampled everything, that and the servers were stark naked to prevent them from secreting in any hidden vials less they put them in a most uncomfortable location which would give them away when retrieved. It also helped that for every server at the food tables there were two mercenaries staring them down from a short distance away.

Within minutes her table was fully stocked and she was forced to admit that the food both smelled delightful and the aroma was most pleasing. Deciding to start small she took a piece of bread and dipped up a small amount of hummus and chewed slowly as the hummus filled her mouth with a delightful and silky taste of perfection. Roaming her eyes around the room more carefully Nawra quietly dressed down the other guests one at a time and noted one noble, a rather impish looking stallion, was apparently being kept somewhat isolated from everyone else. A slave mare sat beside him and whenever he motioned she would retrieve an item from the table and deliver it to him as if reaching the short distance was beneath him. Most others had their servants standing back and away from their conversations, no doubt wondering to what extent Fareed was spying on them.

Then again it would be sign of great distrust and an affront to have a personal poison taster during the banquet, a true and silent insult to Fareed which would probably mean war or assassins being dispatched within the hour after their departure.

"A most delightful spread is it not?"

"I beg your pardon?" Nawra jerked her attention away from the others and look at the smiling visage of Ruhak.

"I said the food is a most delightful spread, also I would dare to say Fareed has outdone himself from the last time I was here."

"How many times have to attended his state banquets?"

"This is my second as I was unable to attend the last due to illness unfortunately."

"Quite unfortunate, and I agree he has shown great hospitality with no expense spared though I have yet to fully enjoy the full extent of it."

"Oh worry not princess Nawra, there shall be plenty of time for that I assure you. Tomorrow our formal meeting will begin and after that if he holds true to the previous meetings we shall have several days to relax afterwords."

"As this is my first, might you tell me how this is handled?"

Nawra smiled at him even as a foal returned to his side with a vacant expression and sat beside him quietly, Ruhak adjusted his position a bit but neither batted an eye for she could not and he would not. She also did not trust him one bit for telling the truth but it was expected of her to make idle chatter so that she would no matter the sickeningly sweet look he was giving the foal.

"Quite simply, we are all gathered inside the throne room with our gifts ready to present and in whatever order he has chosen one of his his advisors will call us forward. We greet him, present out gifts, the usual. He will accept them unless he is displeased with what has been offered of course, once we have finished our offering will be taken aside by servants and then we retire to the side so others may step forward. Simple, were you expecting something more elaborate?"

"Maybe, but may I ask what you brought?"

"Oh I wouldn't dream of spoiling the surprise just in case anyone accidentally lets it slip but it is most generous! My queen Sana is quite intent on keeping good relations with Fareed as she has in the past."

"Only when she is not trying to take his head of course..." Nawra nodded with a small smile and took a small bite of her maghmour.

"I understand Fareed made you a special offering in the hopes of smoothing over the last war, your mother the queen was here for the meeting just before and missed the second."

"Yes. I was given three servants upon my arrival."

"Ahhh lucky you!"

"What do you mean?"

"It means you are the honored guest this time, Fareed's family has long shown their graciousness by hand picking only the finest servants for a single honored guest, but not always! We, on the other hand are given pick of the masses upon arrival. But you, ohhh you had the best picked out in advance!"

"They have already proven to be the most well... Disciplined."

"Three was it?"

"Yes." Nawra took another bite and chewed slowly hoping it might divert him a moment as it would be rude to speak with her mouth full but he only smiled and patted the foals head making the filly twitch slightly, Ruhak only smiled.

"That is one of them then?" Ruhak turned slightly and motioned towards #18 and Nawra nodded. "Fine specimen, I see he was fixed in advance for your convenience."

Trying not to gag as she swallowed Nawra nodded slowly and sipped at her tea. "Indeed, his majesty is quite considerate of his guests."

"Strapping stallion, I am certain you will get endless hours of pleasure out of him but I would prefer to see him when he was younger." Ruhak daintily removed a piece of honey soaked desert from a plate and placed it on a smaller serving tray which he gave to the filly beside him. "You have never had something like this before hm?"

The filly shook her head. "No emir Ruhak."

"Enjoy, dont want you getting tired or hungry. Yet."

Nawra wished and forcibly willed the conversation to abruptly end but appearances had to be kept and so the conversation continued while her eyes roamed anywhere else but her dining companion. A break in their conversation occurred when a new arrival was accounted and they all turned to see who it was, a mare almost of middle age had entered the room dressed in noble attire and was already looking quite nervous as she daintily walked forward.

Raising their voice the servant called out. "Announcing her noble ladyship and officer of his majesties army, Ismat of Madinat Alzamard."

Nawra watched a moment before turning back to her table but after the quiet whispering behind her she looked again as Ismat was being sat beside her. The mare's eyes were riveted across the room on the now regally dressed General Adil who stared back harshly at her before going back to talking with those next to him and glancing sideways at Ismat, Nawra just caught the tail end of the mare nodding in some kind of silent understanding.

"Sent to spy on me? No, she is far too nervous to be a proper spy worth any salt."

Nawra waited quietly as Ruhak had now struck up a conversation with the other guest on his other side, he had made an appearance with her and thankfully it was now over and done with. Ismat ordered her meal and sat upright, rigid as a board and looking around the room carefully as if something might jump out at her at any moment. Had she received the same type of "gift" as the others? Glancing back Nawra saw a new stallion had joined the lineup since her arrival and frowned a little after looking his state over, like her own this one had been gelded as well. She looked back at Ismat knowing she was in just as much shock as she had been only the poor mare had no chance to recover. But why? This one grew up here and must be perfectly used to this by now so why was she so nervous?

Narrowing her eyes slightly Nawra smiled slightly. "Lady Ismat?"

"Yes?!" Ismat twitched before looking at Nawra and calmed down.

"Princess Nawra of Labrad..."

"Forgive me, it is a pleasure to meet you." Ismat bowed her head low and Nawra nodded back.

"Are you alright? You seem quite nervous and dare I say, confused?"

Ismat looked a little worried for a moment before going blank faced. "I am doing well, thank you."

Every word was somewhat forced and Nawra could see she was quite concerned about matters beyond her control but also that she did not return the question said even more.

Holding up her glass Nawra swirled the wine around a little. "The wine is quite good..."

"Yes. I suppose it is- Will be, I have yet to taste any."

"You are an officer in his majesties army then... To be invited here you must have some standing within the ranks."

"My grandfather, general Adil tutored me well and I have done quite well for myself."

"You sound almost like you regret it though."

Ismats ears stood straight up and her eyes widened a moment before recovering quickly. "I have no regrets, it has been an honor to serve his majesty."

"You may be well drilled in combat but you are a poor liar." Nawra nodded and smiled. "Of course not, enjoying his majesties gift?"

"Yes... They were quite the, surprise."

"As were my own, this is the first time I have been here."

"It is mine as well."

A devious idea crossed Nawra's mind and she decided to test just how well disciplined this officer was. "As royalty these things are expected of me, but what about you? Has your grandfather always gone in your stead? What about your father?" She watched as Ismat twitched a little on the emphasis of royalty.

"My father, before he was killed some years ago."

"Deepest apologies for your loss."

"Thank you."

"When will Fareed be joining us? I dont suppose he has forgotten us..."

"He has not forgotten, he is waiting for the prope- His majesty will arrive shortly I imagine."

"Hmm... True I suppose..." Nawra idly took another bite of food and played ignorant. "Your city is most beautiful and well kept. The buildings white wash is not old and faded, there are no cracked buildings..." A small and quickly cut off huff of air left Ismat making Nawra smile inside even more. "It must be quite burdensome to maintain this."

"You have no idea..." Ismat's whisper was very low but Nawra still picked up on it before the mare spoke clearly again. "The crews that maintain the city work around the clock day and night to make certain the city remains pristine."

"Good! I would like to go and see it tomorrow morning, do you have any suggestions?"

"What?!" Ismat choked. "Why- Uhm, hmm... You would have to speak with general Xerin or general Adil but I do believe accommodations have been made for those wishing to view the city."

"Of course they have." Nawra tried to hide the sarcasm in her voice as she smiled and nodded. "And I will request it day after tomorrows meeting! I want to see the north side of the city including that ancient building that was not white washed."

Ismat choked again for a moment as she was taking a quick sip from her goblet. "I am certain accommodations could be made in a few days but I am afraid that the temple ruins are out of limits for our guests. It is an ancient structure after all and quite unsafe, his majesty would be most upset if a pillar were to collapse or even a mere, tiny stone fall from its ceiling and injure your person or any of your servants."

"Tch... Hm, why was it not repaired?"

"Uh... Well it was not torn down out of honor for its age and purpose but repairing it would-"

Nawra frowned and looked away as Ismat slumped a little and sighed in relief when the announcer clapped his hands loudly and called for their attention.

"Honored guests, announcing his majesty, the glorious and most honored, sultan Fareed!"

Moving aside quickly Fareed stepped forward in his flowing silk robes and stood quietly before them a moment. Looking him over Nawra noted that unlike everyone else in the room who had dressed formally for the banquet he had dressed one step above what was considered normal but tastefully so. No guards flanked him as he walked between the tables and up to his elevated table where he stood and gave everyone a nod.

"My guests, it is an honor to receive you this fine evening, be you local nobles or my honored guests from afar. I hope you have found my gifts to your liking and will continue to enjoy them for the duration of this gathering along with all other hospitality I have made available to you. May you want for nothing and your every desire be met. Tomorrow we shall begin our formal meeting at just past noon in the throne room. However! Tonight we celebrate the arrival of our distant guests and relax, some of you have journeyed for weeks to make it here such as our guests from Enuba and Bwani."

Fareed nodded to them but his eyes remained on Nawra, clapping his hands loudly he quickly sat down as servants rushed wildly to fill his tables with food while wine was poured. Nawra twitched a little from his mention of the throne room as if it were the only one in existence but remained quiet as did the other visitors. Attention turned to the back of the room and the double doors as servants rushed out of the way and hid in their corners so that a cadre of dancers and musicians could enter the great hall. Discussions broke out in earnest now that there was no longer any need to whisper and the mingling of voices filled the air.

Dancers filled both sides of the room so no one had to move in order to see less what they witnessed was not to their personal tastes. Mare and stallion alike lined both sides now that the food tables had been shifted to a safer corner that would not disrupt them but also made serving take longer. Nawra breathed a sigh of relief though that at least no foals were in the mix but was disconcerted by the near lack of dress presented. It mattered not, they were all scantily clad in colorful silks that matched their fur but were see through. Seeing them reminded her of a certain dress stored away and she felt like vomiting at the thought of what her family expected of her.

As the musicians began picking up a proper tune the dancers began to move with the rythm in perfect unison swaying their hips and arms, conversations in the room died off quickly and looking around Nawra noticed Ismat had frozen in place, halfway into taking a bite to just stare. On the other side of the room Fareed watched the guests and not the dancers with a knowing smirk on his face as Xerin looked up from his table with a nod. The music flowed on as did the dancing which captivated their attention including that of the servants who tried to focus but were having trouble. Every part of the dancers bodies swayed with the music drawing eyes either up or down and Nawra guessed her own servant was probably struggling but she refused to turn and look for him in order to test if he was being dutiful or not because if not it would probably at best result in another round with #22's brush and ink pot when he turned himself it. Or would he?

Instead she tried to look away from the dancers and focus on other things like staring just beyond them so that Fareed would not become wise, but it was impossible. Swirling in the air the enchanting tune drew everyone in willingly or otherwise and forced them to focus on the dancers in front of them. Whatever willpower they had was being drained away slowly as the lines of dancers moved with the music and as the tempo began to move in earnest so did they. A solid and flowing thump from a drum and gone were the simple movements and swaying of the bodies while in its place their forms began to turn and rotate pulling everyone's attention ever closer.

If it were possible to have a sensual, enticing dance she was witnessing it and was powerless to look away for too long less she miss something. Some guests had rotated over to see those dancing behind them as they all picked out their favorites and chose to focus only on them. Forcing herself to look away for just a moment she snuck a glance at Fareed who was busy chatting with Xerin, both seemingly immune to the hypnotic music and dance. For a brief instant she swear he looked at her and nearly grinned before looking away.

"Damn you."

When the music came to a close and the dancers stopped moving they stood at attention as two servants stepped forward with one bearing a platter, they walked to Fareed's tables and stood waiting. Waiting for a moment before standing Fareed smiled at his guests and waved towards the dancers.

"I hope you have enjoyed what is only the beginning of the entertainment that shall be provided while you stay here. These dancers are also servants and..." He reached up and snapped his fingers then motioned at the tables quickly, the two servants moving into action by placing a bag on each table. "You are free to call upon them for use at any time, it is only asked that you do not damage them too badly and the bags you have received contain three silver tokens."

Many opened the bags to look inside including Nawra and Ismat while the rest already understood, flipping one of the coins around in her hand Nawra stared at its surface bearing only the mark of Fareed as he continued.

"Every guest has received three tokens, these are to show your appreciation towards those servants who are not my gifts to you... But are general servants such as these dancers, should any one of them please you greatly or the other available and un-marked servants, feel free to grant them a token in appreciation of their generous service. Choose wisely though for you only receive these three and no more! Feel free to call upon the servants but please do not disturb the other guests, you may take only two back to your chambers with you tonight and they must be returned come morning. You may also call on them again the following day but please allow the other guests a fair chance at employing their services. Now, if the band would continue..."

Fareed sat down once more and Nawra was more interested in looking at Ismat than the other guests. The noble was sitting with her mouth slightly open and a blank stare as she looked across the room at her grandfather Adil as he quickly pointed out two mares and called them over to sit with him. Watching the noble with the eyes of a falcon the princess watched her fumble for a goblet and instead of taking a small sip downed the contents in one shot before coughing slightly. How sheltered had this one been until now? As an officer the sigh of blood and guts was her business but somehow this astonished her?

"Why would you spend years training dancers only to use them as mere sex slaves? What are you playing at?" Shaking her head a little Nawra turned back to her own goblet and took a sip as Ruhak turned and stared curiously.

"Is something the matter princess Nawra, lady..."

"Ismat."

"Ah, yes. Are you not going to call upon any of the servants?"

Nawra thought about it a moment and scanned the room, for about every one guest that had clear and obvious intent another was simply enjoying the company of either their beautiful mares or handsome stallions. Content to simply have them there to enjoy staring at or as one did, have them feed them by hand.

"It was a long trip I am afraid and I am still exhausted." Nawra gave Ruhak a teetering smile.

"All the more reason to call upon one or two then princess, sit back, relax and allow them to do the rest. I am certain his majesty would be remiss if we did not call upon at least one." He pointed to a mare and beckoned her over and chose to have her do much like the other guest had and feed him by hand while enjoying the view.

"Yes."

Nawra looked around quickly, anyone would probably do but did Ruhak actually care to avoid her having a confrontation or was he also playing with her? Their nations had been at war many times but not since Fareed captured Tuli, perhaps he wanted her to survive this so that Fareed would have no cause to invade again? One more enemy on his flank to harass him in case queen Sana decided to have another go at Fareed. She had to pick someone quickly though and it not be something Fareed would be able to key in on so that suddenly narrowed it down. Lifting her arm and pointing to a young zebra mare, ordered her over which raised a few eyebrows including Ruhak's but he just smiled and ignored her quickly enough. Fareed on the other hand watched closely before returning to his conversation with other nearby guests. Hopefully it had worked, a stallion was far more distracting than another mare and if that made Fareed put more effort into that which did not draw her attention all the better.

"How may I serve you?" The zebra knelt on the floor and bowed forward.

"I dont suppose you know anything about relieving tension in the muscles? As a dancer you must have had cramps and sore muscles."

"Yes mistress, I understand some but am afraid I know little compared to those servants proper-"

"That will do noticely, my back and shoulders are stiff."

"At once mistress."

Nawra kept a smile off her face at having hopefully ducked Fareed until the mare had begun massaging her shoulders with the utmost care and delicacy. She had to admit, the mare was quite good at it for someone who supposedly had no idea what they were doing. Perhaps it was the fear of causing injury that made her touch so light, gentle and soothing but it worked miracles and the tension caused by Fareed was already slowly melting away.

"What about you lady Ismat? Are you not going to choose? As emir Ruhak said, we would not wish to insult our most gracious host." Nawra made a fake lean into the dancers hands and smiled while keeping one eye just barely on Fareed.

The mare fumbled with her food a moment but gone was the puffed out fur of embarrassment and in its place was something else. Just under the surface Nawra could see she was seething with bottled up anger and resentment but a smile had been plastered on her face unwillingly.

"No-"

Ismat turned and in less than a split second pointed to a stallion and beckoned them over but now had no idea what to do with him. Watching the mare quietly she followed her gaze around the room as she desperately tried to find an example that would be acceptable other than the one directly adjacent to her. Already a few heads were under tables but no one seemed to mind and even Adil had one nearly in his lap which seemed to make her wretch for a moment. Settling on one of the stallions who was simply chatting with his two pretty guests she patted the cushion next to her and said one word with the clarity and command of an officer: Sit. The command was obeyed and Nawra kept her eyes elsewhere but listened as Ismat began idly chatting with the dancer.

"I think this one will do just fine for helping me survive my stay here along with answering any questions I have..."

Author's Notes:

Enjoy, donate, dont, favorite, dont. Damn busy now and donations are appreciated now more than ever. Chapter rate will hopefully remain twice a month with the change in my schedule but cant promise anything.