---

As the processions at the table came to a buzzing slow - Farim had taken the time to escort his date home properly, wishing her a good night and that he would hopefully see her in the following morning. He had decided that his time between the afternoon and evening would be spent on another brisk walk through the city of Soriann - seeing what sights he may, and meeting whatever people he would meet. Farim made a quick dash to his room, perching Thara onto his shoulder properly as he planned to let the girl stretch her wings as they made their way into the more common areas of the city.

As he continued his walk through the city, he would raise his hand and let his falcon take off on short glides around the surrounding area as he stopped to peruse various stalls and strike up brief and pleasurable conversations with the locals. As luck would have it, Farim happened to spot a familiar figure in the distance and quickly made his way over - eager to finish their conversation from earlier. The Shehzade approached Riona and offered a gentle greeting as he stepped up to match her pace. ”Hello again, she-who-has-a-name-that-starts-with-H.” He chuckled.

The miniature decor she’d purchased for Lordling Smithwood clinked gently as Riona adjusted her grip on the box. The rest of the furnishings would be delivered directly to the guesthouse.

Riona smiled to herself, satisfied with the day’s haul, already envisioning how she would arrange the space. Just one more stop, and then she could return to the Lordling’s room and set to work.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the figure approaching her until he spoke.

That voice—she knew that voice.

Spinning around, Riona found herself face to face with Shehzade Farim. Immediately she dropped into a formal Alidasht bow. “Peace be upon you, Shehzade,” she said and switched to the Golden Tongue, “<<The Gods must surely be smiling upon me today, for what greater blessing could there be than to cross paths with you, Shehzade, your presence as warm and radiant as the sun emerging from behind the clouds?>>”

Farim raised a brow at the use of his native language, but effortlessly swapped all the same as they kept their pace.”And to you as well, Oh Kind One.” He smirked. Clearly the compliment was taken well, and he reached up to pet his falcon and decided to match Riona’s energy. ”And how fortunate that I was graced with the luck to be running into you at such a juncture. You seem to know how to flatter a man - what have I done to earn such radiant praise?” He paused to look at her various belongings in tow. ”And what might you be doing this apparently blessed day?”

A tiny smirk tugged at the more polite smile when the Shehzade returned with his own flowery phrase. “Is that not the very purpose of the Golden Tongue, Shehzade? Grandmother would have my hide if I addressed the Sultan and his kin any other way.” Though, if that’s what it would take to see her again, Riona might just have to butcher the Tongue a thousand times over. “So, I suppose you have earned such radiant praise by... existing?” She chuckled lightheartedly.

Her gaze drifted to the magnificent bird perched on the Shehzade’s shoulder. Sunlight glinted off its feathers, and Riona’s fingers itched to stroke them. Were they as soft as they looked? “Or perhaps,” she added, unable to keep the wonder from her voice, “I hope to ingratiate myself so you will acquaint me with your winged companion.”

Noticing his eyes flick curiously to the box she carried, she said, “Lord Smithwood requested his room to be redecorated, so I have procured… new furnishings.” Riona cleared her throat as she shifted the box’s weight. Debated showing him the contents. If Shehzade Farim liked Princess Anastasia enough to want to woo her, then surely the man could stomach some mischief. Even relish it.

”It is good to know my existence provides radiance for you - and hopefully others.” He leaned down so Thara and Riona could properly interact. The bird tilted its head, and often made quick darting movements with its beak as if to inspect the new person before her. ”I do not blame you. Thara is a beautiful bird. She will not bite - just don’t go plucking her feathers. She would resent that.”

Farim’s gaze fell again to the box she carried. ”New furnishings delivered by hand. Mighty kind of you to do such a thing. It is not too heavy, no?” He moved to let Thara hop onto her arm, and gently moved the bird towards the woman. ”Also, she likes being pet along her back. Try it if you would like.”

Riona’s eyes widened and her hands fumbled with the box as Shehzade Farim moved to transfer Thara to her. She set the box down on the ground before extending her arm for the bird to perch on.

The box wasn’t exactly heavy—Thara could’ve got on top and it wouldn’t have made much of a difference—but even feathers grew weighty after a time and Riona still ached from last night’s scuffle. The Lordling’s furniture could break into pieces if her arms gave out for all she cared. Thara, on the other hand? Riona didn’t want to startle her.

Gingerly, Riona’s fingers brushed against Thara’s feathers. When the bird leaned into her touch, a smile bloomed across her face and she grew bolder, stroking with growing confidence. “Aren’t you just amazing,” she breathed.

But the smile turned wistful as memories of Dan and her older cousin surfaced. “They would’ve of loved to meet you,” she told Thara softly. Dan, always at home with any creature in his care, and her cousin... Well, in another life, he might’ve been a naturalist, or maybe even a veterinarian. “May I ask what breed of bird Thara is?”

A second later, Riona realized she’d left his earlier question hanging. “I beg your pardon, I was completely enamored by Thara.” Riona glanced down at the box. “The weight is nothing I am unaccustomed to. Servants haul far heavier loads daily. But I do appreciate Your Highness’s concern.”

Riona continued to pet Thara as she asked, “If I may be so bold, what occasion brings you to this part of town, Shehzade? Is there something specific you seek?”

”I am simply going where the winds take me - it is something my brother once taught me to do. Sometimes simply wandering and seeing what the fates have in store is an adventure all by itself.” He smiled as he noticed the way she interacted with his favored bird. ”She is a Peregrine. I had found her nest after it had been attacked by a viper - I sadly could not save her mother, but I was able to raise her myself.” Farim gave her beak a light rub with the side of his finger as he retraced the tale. ”She is a very nice bird - so being enamored is only natural.” The man straightened his posture. ”You know you still have not shared your actual name with me, Mysterious One.” He slyly remarked.

Riona briefly considered continuing the game, but abandoned the idea just as quickly—it would be just rude at this point. If he forgets her name, then he forgets her name. “Ríoghnach, Your Highness.” She dipped into a curtsey, keeping her falcon-bearing arm fixed in the air. “My name is Ríoghnach.”

With a gentle touch, she coaxed Thara back to her master’s shoulder. Then, hefting the wooden box, Riona resumed her pace down the street, her steps unhurried. “Am I to understand, then, that you have no pressing engagements this evening, Shehzade?”

Farim shook his head. ”Not at all, Rioghnach.” He took the time to pronounce the name - as if savoring each syllable and nodding approvingly. The man returned her curtsey with a bow at the waist with his arm folding over his chest. ”It has a nice ring to it.|

Riona smiled at his first attempt and the compliment. “Thank you, Shehzade. If my name proves difficult to pronounce, please, call me something more comfortable to you. Most everyone does.”

His hand gave Thara’s side a perfectly gentle rub as he talked. ”I was mildly interested in the circus that I heard about. So if nothing else, there is always that. What about yourself?”

“It will depend on how quickly I can complete my tasks for the day.” Riona said simply, then turned to look at Shehzade Farim, a little surprised. “Will you not invite Princess Anastasia to accompany you? I believe she would find great delight in such an outing.”

Farim wagged his finger playfully, fully aware of the surprise of him going solo to such a place. ”Well, she actually had other plans. Plus I must not suffocate the poor woman with my attention or she may grow sick of me.” It was then Thara let out a soft coo, as if in agreement. The man chuckled lightly and pet his bird once more. ”You are welcome to join me in the festivities if you manage to accomplish your chores fast enough.”

Riona thanked him for the invitation before commenting on what he said earlier. “Are you not concerned that other prospects might tempt Her Highness? As I mentioned during lunch, she has quite the following.”

”Perhaps. It would sadden me quite a bit if she were to seek a romance elsewhere. But she has given me any reason to think she may fancy other men, so I should not worry too much for now.” He crossed his arms and looked at the woman as his eyebrows raised slightly. ”Besides. I hear I have quite the radiant presence - so I would like to see someone beat that.” The man scoffed sarcastically.

Riona couldn’t help but recall the times she saw Anastasia and Wystan together, but she kept those thoughts to herself. “If I may be so bold, Your Highness,” she began, “you might want to broaden your view of the playing field. Men are not your only competition for Her Highness’s heart.” The Shehzade scoffed, and Riona allowed herself a small smile. “The sun’s radiance is undeniable, but, for some, it can be a touch overwhelming. There are those who prefer the softer touch of moonlight.”

Farim smirked. ”You seem awfully eager for me to cast my eyes elsewhere. You would not be trying to coax my attention towards yourself would you?” He spoke in a gentle voice, leaning over and locking eyes for a moment with a grin before returning to his upright position.

If Riona had been eating or drinking in that moment, she would’ve choked on it or spat it out. His conclusion caught her completely off guard. Laughter welled up inside her, fierce and sudden, but she fought it down.

”But you are correct. Putting all of your eggs in a single basket is not a sound strategy. Both in finance and in romance.” Farim sighed. ”It is not lost on me that she could very well choose someone else. But I no longer wish to meander amidst a crowd of beautiful women. Because when one becomes the subject of your desire, well then the other dozen or so end up hurt or abandoned. But maybe I am just feeling particularly romantic this season.” He offered a slight shrug. ”Not to mention, Annie has had plenty a chance to see some more delicate moonlight. But as is the way of nature - moonlight only shines at nighttime.” The man winked at Riona.

And the sun only shines in the day. “... With all due respect, I believe whether Princess Anastasia ‘has had plenty a chance to see some more delicate moonlight’ is for Her Highness to decide.” Not you. As much as she disliked the Princess for toying with people’s hearts to satisfy her own selfish needs, Riona believed that no one had the right to dictate another person’s feelings or experiences.

Before an awkward silence had any chance to fall between them, the maid continued. “It is admirable to devote yourself to one person. Truly. I simply mean to warn that if you intend to court Princess Anastasia, you must be prepared to fight for her with all your heart. There will be many obstacles… and not all of them are romantic or political.”

Farim merely nodded. ”You are right. Forgive me if I sound conceited. I carry an air of confidence to dispel most of my usual worries. And the warning is noted and acknowledged.” He ushered his bird to take flight, allowing the falcon to circle around them overhead with the occasional perching ahead of where they were walking. ”I have fought all my life, madam. I am no stranger to such things. If winning her love requires a challenge then so be it. If I shied away from obstacles then I would not have made it far back home.”

Of that, Riona had no doubt.

“Even if she herself is the obstacle?” she asked softly. Maybe too softly, she wasn’t sure if he heard her.

---

”As for finding her myself, well I have tried.” Farim shifted the conversation. ”Based on my efforts she is somewhere only he could access or somewhere so remote it would take decades of thorough searching to find her. You are not wrong, though. I can only imagine his venomous little face twisting if I tell him I know where she is.” He laughed for a few breaths, then paused as if lost in contemplation before he continued. ”However he must still answer for what he has done. If I must force it - then I will. One day his reign will end.” The serious tone of his voice quickly shifted as he spoke again. But that will be a story for another time. I must ask - why are you so curious about my state of affairs. I daresay you have inquired more about me in this walk more than some of my own family. Not that I mind - but it does seem a touch curious to me.”

Riona considered the question. Was it really so strange to be curious? No way she was the only person he opened up to about all this stuff. “Perhaps I am simply being nosy.” Or was the familiarity drawing her to learn more about this prince from the Motherland—that place her grandmother had dreamed of but never seen. It was in her blood, that connection, no matter how faint.

“If this is a quest that will take decades, more the reason to act as soon as possible, Your Highness.” She adjusted her grip on the box and asked. “What stays your hand?” If he knew that much about where his mother could be, then why did he stop there? Why wait for some nebulous “one day” when he could make it happen? To find his mother. To punish his father. To put an end to his father’s reign.

Farim gave a coy smile at her suggestion. ”And who says I am not doing such things right at this very moment? Maybe I have multiple, maybe even dozens of collaborators who are helping me in many things. Maybe some of them are even watching us at this very moment in case something were to go south.

The Shehzade made a fair point. His status afforded him resources and reach far beyond what she could imagine. Just because he chose to focus his personal attention on courting Anastasia didn’t mean he hadn’t deployed agents to do his bidding in the shadows. “Then I stand corrected.”

He offered a soft wink in her direction with a chuckle. ”Or maybe I am just all talk. It is not like you would suddenly assault me in the midst of this busy street anyway.”

“... And what makes you so certain of that, Shehzade? ” A bold retort to offer a prince of Alidasht, but the spark of humor that danced in the maid’s eyes made it clear she meant no true threat.

There was a brief pause between the two as their journey had made it most of the way to its destination. Another building came into view as Thara continued to glide overhead while occasionally resting on Farim’s shoulder. The pair stopped outside yet another shop on the woman’s list of duties and continued their conversation. ”I like you, Ríoghnach. You seem fun, friendly to those you like, and … a touch mysterious. But I like such qualities. While there is still time we can continue while you deliver these materials your lord wishes to have.”

Riona set the box she carried down by the shop’s entrance and straightened, brushing a stray curl back from her face. “You honor me, Shehzade. But there is no need for flattery. If you are searching for a diversion until the circus begins.” She gestured to the store in front of them. “You are welcome to join me as I finish my shopping.”

Farim returned a light shrug. There was not much else he was doing so he figured seeing more of what these markets have to offer would be a beneficial arrangement. ”There is never a need for flattery. But it sure is nice is it not?” That same cheeky grin adorned his face as he walked into the store with her. ”What style of furniture are we on the hunt for, young lady?”

In a quiet voice, she said, “... Something that a certain type of noble—the kind possessed of an over-inflated sense of self-importance, who sneers down their nose at people of humble origins—would find utterly beneath them, but that would elicit no end of amusement from anyone who sees their chambers?”

Farim tilted his head in mild confusion and curiosity. But seeing her face as she talked clued him in that this was likely someone who had either wronged her or simply pissed her off. At first he assumed a professional stance, talking plainly as they paroused the shop. ”Now Ríoghnach, it would be quite unseemly of someone like myself to suggest such things and cause any … ruffled feathers amongst the other guests present…” He thought about ending it there - but his childish notions got the better of him as he thinly hid a smirk on his face. ”I could not possibly suggest taking a chair such as that one to this persons chambers…”

His finger gestured at an interestingly designed chair, one that seemed to bow up and out and remained painfully thin at the actual “seat” of the chair. It was clearly meant for decoration, but the unassuming would think it a proper seat and quickly realize their mistake. He continued this faux persona of “not recommending” certain furniture while they shopped around..

Riona hadn’t meant to spend so much time picking out furnishings for the Lordling’s quarters, but time flew when you were having fun. She and Shehzade Farim gleefully dug through the store, determined to find the most impractical and garish junk imaginable to torture Smithwood’s delicate sensibilities. By the time they declared their quest complete, they had a pile of the best of the worst. Riona couldn’t wait to see the look on Smithwood’s face when he laid eyes on their masterpiece of awfulness.

Once outside, the Shehzade picked up on their earlier conversation.

”Your cousin sounds like a good person, by the way. I think him and my old friend Malik would have gotten along, had they ever the chance to meet.” Thara made a swooping pass just above his head as they talked, possibly frightening a couple passersby. However Farim did not flinch as the falcon continued forward in its exploratory flight. ”The world could use less أهبل (assholes).” He boldly proclaimed, playing on the curse word she had said prior.

Riona matched his smile. She couldn’t agree more. Maybe in a world with less أهبل she could’ve become someone softer, kinder; a person without so many thorns and rough edges. Her smile clouded.

“I am afraid Malik and my cousin will have to wait until they both cross the great divide to become properly acquainted, Shehzade.” she said. “The cousin I speak of passed on some years ago.” From the way Shehzade Farim spoke of his friend Malik in the past tense, she suspected that he might not be alive either.

Farim sighed. ”Well if he is gone then perhaps they have already met. My friend died many years ago, when we were children. It was a terrible … accident.” He shared, making sure not to spill too much on just what ended his friend. The man’s face was one of concern and regret as he thought about it. Thara, sensing the shift in body language, flew back down to his shoulder and gave his cheek a light and gentle peck. Farim smirked and returned the affection with a soft caress under her beak.

”The Fates have a funny way of working, do they not? It would seem we come from quite similar backgrounds. I know loss is not easy - so I hope you are as strong in mind as you seem in spirit to weather such things. I imagine you would not have made it thus far if you were not - but I offer my condolences all the same.”

“You are most kind, Shehzade,” Riona said and offered her own condolences.

In the lyrical cadence of the Golden Tongue, she continued, “However, <<the brilliant light that emanates from you deceives your eyes, for the strength you perceive is a mirage in the vast desert. What remains here is a broken thing, held together by spite and a naïve hope that lingered beyond the death of innocence.>>”

“Optimism, I have learned, is a double-edged sword. It is a beautiful quality to have… it is also what got my cousin killed.” She shook her head at the thought. Everyone was right to question his belief that they could live peacefully with the Danroses.

“While you are here, I hope you will continue to sharpen your ability to see past illusions, Shehzade. Just as you have seen past your father’s manipulations and deceptions.”

”Spite, you say…while I think such a notion has uses, I find it a little too predictable to be truthfully honest. No offense to your ways, mind you.” Farim paused and began to circle around her as he talked, making quick jumps to the sides as he started this new cadence. ”I like to think that being optimistic in the face of adversity gives a sort of flavor to life that makes it far more enjoyable. Like you are taking the very winds out of their sails.” The man shrugged and returned to her right side, gesturing for Thara to return to him with a wave of his hand. She made a swift dive and flapped her wings as she landed onto his shoulder with grace. ”If my enemies plan to cut me down anyway, a double-edged sword is simply that - a sword. It makes it even more baffling to those who would strike me down if I use such unconventional methods to combat their tricks and shadow games.” He chuckled, reaching up to give his pet bird another stroke along her feathers with his steady hand.

… But then it wouldn’t be a curse if she was happy or if it fed off of positivity, now would it? No. It was a spell born from suffering, designed to inflict misery. The only “blessing” was the power it granted, the chance to turn that suffering outward and make her enemies pay.

“Optimism can be just as predictable as spite, and your enemies—your father—can use it against you just as easily.” The Danroses weaponized hope to get rid of an entire clan they felt threatened by. If the Grand Vizier was as manipulative as the Shehzade said, then he wouldn’t hesitate to exploit his son’s optimism for his own gain.

“Do not underestimate the creativity of a spiteful heart, Your Highness. When revenge is the goal, the most vindictive among us can be endlessly imaginative in our cruelty.” …Maybe Riona and the Grand Vizier had a lot more in common.

Farim nodded, scratching his chin as the woman shared her thoughts on the matter. ”You carry truth in your words. I think the key here then is to be as unpredictable as possible. Like bringing a man some farce furniture when he leasts expects it.” He chuckled at the allusion to their current situation. ”I will make sure to keep that in mind when dealing with him. The man has exploited me plenty and I am sure he is already up to something that will make my innards churn with distaste.” He took a short breath before stopping himself from starting another fit. ”But that shall be for another time. Is there anything else on your mind this fine afternoon?”

“Only the matter of refurbishing the guestroom with the… extraordinary decoration you helped procure.” Riona chuckled a bit. “Would you permit me to mention Your Highness’s hand in curation? I suspect this particular guest may be less inclined to immediately cast them aside if they believe the pieces come with a royal endorsement, as it were.”

”Now now, young lady. I procured nothing - I merely suggested what you should not buy.” He winked. ”As fun as it would be to take credit for such things - I am sure there would be some hot water for me if I were to go around playing pranks on every well-named person who I came across. That honor…” Farim smiled. ”Shall be yours. However if you would like to add some credibility then you may simply mention that a foreign consultant gave you some recommendations.” The man laughed. ”I hope my cooperation has earned myself immunity from your wrath, Ríoghnach. I would not want to find myself wearing slippy shoes or being entirely pink or gods knows what else you may have planned for him.”

The Shehzade’s answer was disappointing, but understable. This was her personal crusade, not his. “So your assistance was a calculated maneuver to gain leverage over me? Well played, Your Highness.” Despite what she said, there was no true bite behind her tone.

“However, I doubt you will find yourself in any real trouble. Even if this particular noble discovers your involvement. They will likely be all too eager to roll over and play nice for a chance to win the favor of royalty.” If Shehzade Farim did land in hot water, she imagined it would be nothing compared to the boiling oil she’d be in.

Farim smirked. ”I like to consider it more like gaining someone’s trust or support. You can never have too many friends.” He paused for a moment. ”And I am sure you would appreciate the word of someone who could hopefully get those troublesome nobles off your back should you find yourself in a…sticky situation.” To which the woman nodded in gratitude.

“Contrary to what you may believe about me, I have responsibilities that consume the majority of my time. I do not ‘go around playing pranks on every well-named person who I come across,’ nor do I desire to.”

So why was she so fixated on Smithwood then? If she was honest with herself, she wasn’t sure why. It didn’t have to be him specifically, did it? He was far from the only privileged ass quick to let the servants take the fall when things went south at the ball, with no thought to the severity of punishments they would face as a result of his accusations.

The prank with the slippery shoes was meant to be a one-off comeuppance. But then the incident with Darryn happened. He bore the brunt of the consequences, suffering vastly disproportionate to that of the nobles. All because Anastasia and Callum valued their wealthy party friend over the stableboy. And Smithwood walked away with a fresh pair of shoes, inconvenience forgotten.

Just like that, it was over.

The actions of the powerless rarely brought about any meaningful change. She’d known that for a long time, she just refused to accept it. And the Lordling, he was right there: a convenient target for her frustrations. Her… helplessness.

Smithwood, for all his faults, had listened when she confronted him. Well, not really listened, listened. But he heard what she had to say and engaged with her grievances rather than smacking her in the mouth for speaking out of turn or ignoring her entirely. It was the barest glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe…

“I believe this person has the potential to change for the better,” Riona said softly, “I simply lack the influence to break through that infuriatingly thick, nobly-bred skull of theirs.”

The man nodded and continued moving the furniture into the guest house with her. Despite his verbal statement to not be thoroughly involved, his actions seemed to contradict it. ”That is quite the noble charge. I wish you the best of luck. There was a time I went on similar pursuits of persuasion. I know better now.” He sighed only to immediately change face to a more optimistic expression. ”But then again, the Winds have a strange way of guiding us. You may prove luckier than I in such things.” Once he had moved a majority of the furniture inside, Farim took a look around the room and couldn’t help but chuckle.

”It is like a work of art….And as joyful as this piece is coming together. I must start getting ready for my nighttime festivities. Many a good food stalls at carnivals, you know! I must try all of what Caessonia has to offer.” His excitement was palpable, and his hand flicked upward and motioned towards his bird that had taken a comfortable perch on a nearby wooden rail leading to the upstairs bedrooms. ”Anything else you need from me before I go?”

“Short of overhauling this country?” Riona’s lips quirked into a wry smile and she shook her head, “No, I think this will be all, Shehzade.” She dropped into a deep curtsy, skirts whispering against the polished floor. “You have been most generous with your time. Please enjoy the remainder of the day.”

As Shehzade Farim made to depart, Riona cleared her throat. “There is one other matter you should be aware of.”

She fixed him with a level stare. “There is one man whose love Princess Anastasia craves above all else. She would move heaven and earth itself to secure his affections.”

The man met her stare with mild befuddlement, followed by a hint of clarity. ”My first instinct is to guess her father. But the nature of your words suggest this is another suitor.” There was a pause - as if mulling over what to say. Farim’s usual smile faltered for a few moments before he spoke.

”My friend, when one goes digging for diamonds. You find many competitors. I am no stranger to this. Yet still I choose to attempt to be with such a highly coveted woman. If the Fates would favor me, then I shall count myself blessed. If this other nameless person should arise and whisk her away from me - then so be it. She is not mine by any means, nor is she property to be tied down and forced to be mine, like some people would do….” The man spat on the ground.

”But this is the way of finding that special someone. You explore, you get hurt, you lick your wounds, and repeat until you die or find that unique little spark to make the hurting stop.” Farim flashed a smile. ”I take your words kindly, but fret not Riona. I would not be where I am if I simply rolled over at the first sign of trouble. Still, you are kind for warning me. Thank you.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and grinned far enough that his eyes squinted as his cheeks rose. ”You have given me plenty to think on, but I hope your day remains peaceful - and hopefully the winds will guide you to a favorable fate.”

For all this talk about optimism, when he spoke, it sounded more like a defensive mechanism to soften the blow rather than a genuine hopeful outlook.

“You should have more faith in yourself, Shehzade Farim Hafiz Kadir. Your first instinct was correct: it is her father who I speak of.” Her gaze went distant, tracing over memories of Anastasia and Edin, the empty spaces between them speaking louder than words ever could. “And a father’s shadow can be a far more formidable foe than any mere suitor.” Blinking away the thought, Riona’s attention returned to the present. “You will need to save her from its reach… and from herself.” Before he could ask what she meant by that, Riona bowed once again.

“<<May the winds blow fair and the sun light your way, Shehzade.>>”