The library wasn't too far from the dining hall; Kiara only had to enter the castle's next wing. This library was probably considered small by the standards of Astora. It was the size of a large study, every wall covered with shelves stuffed with books and scrolls. A huge bay window overlooked the mountains, as did many of the windows in this castle. Sitting on the platform around the bay window was Prince Lamont Sidia of Berinike. It was clear from first glance that he had taken more of his mother's features. His dusky skin was more of his mother's tone than his father's, and he had the same head of shoulder-length luxurious dark hair, pulled back in a low ponytail. Strands of his hair had come undone to fall over his face, but it didn't bother him. He wore a black jacket with yellow trim over a loose-fitting white shirt tucked into black trousers and soft-soled black boots. The mid-thigh-length jacket sported a high collar, and the back bore the Berinike crest of the yellow dragon. White gloves rested behind him. It was clear he was dressed to represent his country at an important event... such as a lunch... but he had chosen not to go. He was slender in build with a narrow, clean-shaven face and sharp features. Ironically, aside from his skin tone, he looked like he would fit in better in Astora whereas Ostus, aside from being an elf, would look right at home in Berinike. 

Chocolate-brown eyes scrolled through the book he was reading, his expression softened to quiet contentment. He was the only one in the room; this place was his sanctuary. If only he could spend the whole day here...

The door burst open. He jumped in surprise and looked up from his book, flustered. He expected his father or one of his brutish guards, prepared to give them a tongue-lashing for pulling him from this chapter, but he blinked, his words caught in his throat, both eyebrows shooting up in surprise. Someone new had decided to barge in here instead... a woman with flaming red hair...

One had to be an idiot not to realize that this was the Princess of Astora. Lamont barely registered her words, too distracted by her appearance. Yes, Berinike women were not the sort to be pushed around, but to barge in on someone's business like this? What sort of proper lady did that? And were those boots beneath the hem of her dress? He squinted; yes, they were. How odd. The dress was plain but the color was fitting. Besides, her hair, creamy skin, and grey eyes made up for the dress's simplicity. He had to admit to himself that he was a bit relieved he wasn't being forced to marry someone he would not be able to stomach looking at. To him she was a wild beauty, someone he had no interest in taming. In fact, he hoped that aside from the marriage ceremony and however long it took to conceive an heir, he would not have to deal with her at all; it was the only way he could stand the idea of marrying a complete stranger.

So, after a moment to recompose himself, Lamont returned his gaze to his book. "I suspect you had many meals just fine throughout your lifetime that didn't involve me being there," he said in a smooth, accented voice, not at all brash and loud like Ostus. He turned the page of the book, never glancing up. "Surely you do not need me to be there to assist you in eating. The food tastes better when it's hot, so I suggest heading back right away. It was a pleasure meeting you."