Tigris' mind was buzzing pleasantly from all the wine she'd drunk. She wasn't drunk- she wasn't Roche, after all- but she waved away Roche when the maid offered her another goblet of wine. She laughed politely at something one of the delegates said, clasping hands and affirming her belief in their rice and grain products. Even through the haze of alcohol clouding her mind, she kept alert, noting the best merchants tucked within the crowd of political delegates. If tensions ever arose between the kingdom, securing trade would be the first thing the Faultless Kingdom would need to do.

She saw Finn and Aodh similarly engaged with the crowd, the former talking to scholars and merchants alike while Aodh spoke to the esteemed Tseltan generals with an intent gleam to his eyes. This event was as significant as any political treatise meeting might be.

"Tigris,"

Tigris spun around at the sound of her father's voice, dipping into a polite curtsy. "Father," she greeted, conscious of the eyes watching them speak.

The king nodded at her, bidding her to rise. "Are you enjoying the festivities?"

"Yes, my lord." Tigris replied, smiling. We've gathered enough information to fill the library twice over. "This event has been very fruitful."

"Good," the king replied, tilting his head knowingly, "Gather your brothers. We must feast."

Tigris curtsied, wishing it wasn't so wobbly. The moment she rose, a hand was held in front of her face, attached to a goblet. Tigris pushed it away.

"I'm good, Roche,"

"It's water. You need some." Roche replied, her eyes dancing. Tigris scowled but accepted the water gratefully, relaxing a little when her vision cleared. She bit back her thanks, handing off the goblet before going to gather Aodh and Finn. They joined her at the dais, perching on their respective thrones beside their fathers.

The rest of the nobles had been herded into their seats, interspersed with chattering Tseltans. The cacophony of the crowd dimmed as the torches in the back of the room were extinguished methodically. The room darkened until only the front of the room in front of the royal dais and the guest tables was lit. The darkness made Tigris uneasy for a moment, but then the first dancer emerged.

She was somewhere in the throes of middle age, but she moved with the grace and fluidity of someone much younger. Her dress fluttered behind her like a waterfall of fabric, blending into the next dancer that tailed her and another. Together they floated towards the center of the room.

A slow beat began to play from the musicians, and the dancers fluidly dipped into a crouched position, their dresses fluttering. What occurred next was a dance so graceful that Tigris could only compare it to a flowing river of water. The dance was a flurry of silks and long limbs twisting and jumping in tantalisingly fluid motions. They swayed to the beat, holding the crowd into their demonstration of human flexibility, agility, and grace. The dance was spearheaded by the first dancer who had entered the makeshift stage. She was also the first to bow, her hair somehow still held back tightly in a bun after all the dancing. Tigris was envious of that. Her hair always came loose after a long round of sparring. Only Roche's tight buns managed to hold up.

The crowd roared with cheers and applause. Tigris turned, finding her father clapping along enthusiastically, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

"Incredible," he mused aloud, eyes dancing. Tigris noticed the flush in his cheeks, realising with a note of discomfort that it wasn't just the alcohol contributing to the warmth on his face. He stood suddenly, beckoning the dancers over. The first dancer came forward, moving fluidly even though the dance was done like there was rhythm engraved in her bones.

"Your dance was wonderful," the king told her warmly, leaning over the edge of his dais to address her.

The woman curtsied slightly, her eyes twinkling. "Thank you, King Romulus. Your praise warms me."

"It is I that should be thanking you," Tigris' father replied instantly, "For such a performance. What style of dance is this?"

"It is a traditional Tseltan dance, my lord. It is not well known amongst the Tselts either, I'm afraid. My students and I are the last performers of this art." she explained, gesturing to her backup dancers who were now daintily sipping from goblets of wine and speaking to the Faultless crowd that had formed.

The king beckoned the dancer forth. "Please come sit. I'd love to hear more."

Tigris stiffened as the dancer obliged, barely managing to stop herself from gawking at the king. He rarely invited courtiers to sit with him, much less dancers from another nation.

Tigris caught Aodh's eye, finding him looking similarly confused. Finn, on the other hand, was grimacing ever so slightly, taking a long drink from his goblet. Tigris couldn't fathom why.

"More water?"

Suddenly, Roche had materialised next to Tigris' throne, holding out a full pitcher. Tigris nearly jumped out of her seat, pressing a hand to her chest where her heart pounded. She needed to sober up if Roche of all people could sneak up on her.

"Yes, of course," Tigris nodded to her empty goblet. Roche leaned forward, pouring a steady trickle of clean water. Droplets clung to the edge of the vessel, spilling slightly onto the pale tablecloth. Roche didn't seem to notice. She was peering at the dancer sitting beside the king, face flushed pleasantly as they laughed.

"Who's that?" Roche asked curiously.

Tigris downed the glass of water quickly, relishing in clearer thoughts. "A dancer from the Tselts. Did you see her performance, Roche, or were you off chasing another rock?"

Roche scowled at her, hugging the pitcher tight to her chest. She seemed to glow in the torchlight, Tigris' old dress hugging the maid's lithe frame like a glove, accentuating her hips.

"That was one time-"

"One time too many, more like," Tigris huffed, smirking as Roche's scowl deepened. The maid rolled her eyes, gathering a few empty dishes into her arms.

"Whatever," Roche mumbled, her eyes drifting back to the dancer at the king's side. Her frown deepened, "They seem chummy,"

"Who even says the word 'chummy' anymore?"

"Me, obviously," Roche said, raising a brow like it was obvious. "Want an example? I think Kai wants to get chummy with you after seeing you in that dr-"

"Roche!" Tigris hissed, her cheeks burning. She glanced around, praying none of the nobles around them had heard. Roche chuckled, hoisting her plates in the air.

"Alright, alright. I'm going!" Roche told her, face twinkling up with amusement. Tigris muttered an insult under her breath, but secretly she was just relieved that Roche was smiling again. She'd been worried about the sensitive woman after the gorgon attacks and the reveal of her mysterious lover, but Roche had done surprisingly well. She's assumed her duties like nothing was the matter, only showing a slight reticence for a few days. She had more strength than Tigris had thought she did. She would never admire it aloud, but she admired her maid's resilience.

Tigris settled into her seat, maintaining her poise. She cast a sideways glance towards her father, noticing his face light up at something the dancer had said. Tigris kept her face blank as she strained her ears to hear bits of his conversation.

"-a delight! You're an absolute delight!" the king was chuckling, wiping tears of mirth from his wine addled eyes. The dancer smiled warmly at him.

"Thank you, your majesty, you're much too kind," she tilted her head respectfully, eyes dancing with mirth. Her lashes pressed low against her cheeks, a soft blush painting across her pale cheeks.

Tigris suddenly realised why Finn looked so strained as her father leaned closer, his eyes twinkling.

"You must have travelled long and far to reach this kingdom, haven't you?" he asked, his voice low and... sultry? It took every ounce of Tigris' strength to keep her face straight and her disgust off her face as the woman's eyes widened with surprise, quickly followed by gentle pleasure.

"I have, your Majesty. Seeing your blessed kingdom makes it all worth it. I've waited to see such a marvelous nation. The Tselts are nice but I have yet to see Faultless art."

"Ah, then you must see it. I shall show you our best pieces personally!" the king replied, setting down his wine goblet. Tigris couldn't stop her eyes from widening. She glanced at Aodh, who stared back at her with his mouth slightly ajar. He'd heard it too.

Their father was... flirting.

Tigris suppressed a shudder.

The dancer dipped her chin into a respectful, flustered nod. "It would be an honour, your Majesty."

The king nodded, smiling with a mix of relief and triumph. "You must be tired after such a performance," he noted thoughtfully, stroking his chin, "I'm sure you'll need to rest before your next performance."

"Ah," the dancer waved off the suggestion, "My students and I all share a room with the rest of the delegates now that my husband is no longer with us. It can be a bit... crowded. I much prefer the open space of the castle."

Tigris bit her lip hard enough to draw blood as the king's eyes softened.

"You had a husband?"

The dancer's face suddenly looked much older, made sharp by shadows. She nodded sadly. "He was an ambassador to Shulta, northern Shulta specifically. Unfortunately he was accosted by a group of inkblood bandits just before the inkblood ban was put into place."

"I'm sorry," the king murmured, his blue eyes darkening into a plum shade, "I too lost my spouse to inkblood."

Tigris felt a small edge of pity as the woman's eyes turned glassy with tears. "It's such a terrible thing. It's unnatural in every way."

"Indeed," the king agreed, his voice grave and mournful, "You will find not a trace of ink in this kingdom. I have seen to it personally. You and your dancers will remain safe while you are here."

"Thank you, your Majesty. That is very kind of you," the dancer murmured, her voice smoothing out with relief. The king tilted his head, inspecting her tense face for a moment.

"If you would prefer, there are some rooms in the castle that are available. This building is one of the most secure in the nation, inkblood will not find you here," the king mused aloud, "You could stay here, if it would make you feel more secure."

The dancer gasped slightly, eyes rounding. "Oh, I wouldn't want to impose-"

"Nonsense," her father swore firmly, "Keeping these lands safe from inkblood is my priority. What king would I be if I let a lovely lady fear that foul substance in this kingdom?"

Tigris nearly gagged at the open affection in his voice, choking on her sip of water. As she tried to control the burning in her lungs, the dancer's face split with a shy smile.

"Thank you, your Majesty. It would be an honour."

"The honour is mine," the king assured her. He turned to scan the room, "I'll have a servant attend to you as soon as the party is over."

Tigris took a moment to openly inspect her father's face. The sight of the pure interest in his expression turned her stomach, but she couldn't deny that he looked happy. She remembered the way her mother and him used to laugh when she was a child cradled between their arms. She hadn't seen him laugh in that way ever since her mother's death.

Tigris gripped her goblet tightly, her mind suddenly flashing to a grieving Roche. How had her father withstood such pain on his own? She pitied him a bit in that moment, but more than anything, she wanted to hear him laugh with elation again.

She cleared her throat, turning to face him and the dancer.

"I couldn't help but overhear that you'll be staying in the castle tonight," Tigris interjected gently, smiling warmly at the dancer. Her father looked at her, his eyes guarded and a bit afraid. Tigris' heart softened. Did he really think she wouldn't want him to be happy, to try to find love again? She'd heard enough stories from Finn to know that such a thing was more than possible.

"If it's not a bother, my lady," the dancer said, glancing at the king, "Then I will be, yes."

"Oh, we have plenty of room!" Tigris told her, keeping her voice bright, "In fact, I'm sure you'll need a good servant to assist you. I'd like to offer my maid for the task of helping you get settled, if you'd like. She's very competent."

The words felt strange coming out of Tigris' mouth. Roche, competent? It seemed like the start to a bad joke. But there was no denying that Roche could work well when she really set her mind to it. It was also considered an honour to be served by a royal's maid.

Even if that royal's maid was an idiot.

The dancer's eyes widened, her lips stretching. "Oh! I believe we met earlier today. I'd love to have her serve me, if she can."

"She can," Tigris assured her. She glanced at her father, and he nodded his approval. Tigris stood from her throne, "I'll see to it that she has everything prepared for you tonight. May I know your name, my lady?"

"My name is Lisa, milady,"

"I am Tigris, the king's daughter," Tigris winked at the woman, hoping to set her at ease, "I look forward to getting to know you."

"Likewise, my lady."

Tigris nodded and set off to find Roche. A set of footsteps followed her into the crowds. Tigris turned to find Aodh and Finn tailing her, with squeamish looks on their faces.

"What the hell was that?" Aodh asked.

Finn nodded seriously. "I think we need to consider the possibility of his wine being laced with something. I have never heard Father speak like that."

I have. Tigris wanted to tell them, but that would bring up the memories she had with their mother that they would be envious to hear. Tigris shook her head.

"He's just getting to know her. Is that really so terrible?" Tigris asked them, smirking when their discomfort grew.

"He's flirting!" Aodh blurted out with wide eyes.

"Terribly!" Finn added, still looking a bit green.

Tigris laughed at them both. "And what would you two know about flirting?"

They both broke out into indignant remarks that made Tigris snicker. She slipped into the crowd.

"Look, if he's happy, we need to support him," Tigris warned her babbling brothers, "He deserves some happiness. It's been nearly twenty years since he's even looked at a woman."

That shut them both up. Finn looked to the ground a bit guiltily. Aodh stiffly looked away, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"Well... I think Mother would have wanted him to be happy as well," the older prince conceded after a moment.

Finn remained stonily silent. Tigris nudged him.

"Can we count on you to support Father as well?" Tigris asked him softly.

Finn chewed his lip. "I... don't know if Father would want my opinion on this."

"Why not?" Aodh asked, his brows furrowing with concern. Finn bit his lip hard enough to draw blood and looked far into the distance.

"I'm certain he doesn't want the killer of his last wife commenting on his future one."

"Finn!" Tigris exclaimed at the crass words, glancing around to see if the bustling courtiers around them had overheard. "Why would you even say such a terrible thing?"

Finn shrugged, his eyes resigned and stormy. The sight tore Tigris' heart in half. She seized his shoulders roughly.

"Look at me, you idiot," Tigris snapped, even as fondness seeped into her voice. Finn glanced at her in surprise and she growled, "Mother's death was not your fault The circumstances were terrible and there was more at play that you and I will ever know. It wasn't. Your. Fault."

Finn's eyes gleamed for a moment like he wanted to believe the words. Then he pulled away, fiddling with the hem of his regal jacket.

"Sure, Tigris," he said flatly, "If you say so."

"She's right," Aodh insisted, looking horrified at Finn, "We were there, Finn. We remember what happened. It wasn't your fault. The midwife even said so. So did Leinos. Father was just... caught up in his grief. He didn't know what he was saying back then, he even cursed Mother's name at one point."

This probably wasn't the best conversation to have in the middle of a packed throne room, but Tigris could tell Finn needed it. He flinched like the words had hit him directly in the chest.

"Really?" he murmured, sounding stunned. Tigris nodded.

"Leinos said that the circumstances of your birth were just... unfortunate. The war with Uncle Remus was going on. Mother was stressed. You were birthed during one of the larger battles and she overstrained herself." the words flowed off Tigris' lips smoothly. She watched Finn gather each one like one of his stories, tucking the comfort into his mind. His face relaxed, tears shimmering in the corners of his eyes.

"It wasn't your fault," Aodh repeated, clapping Finn on the shoulder. He looked around, "Now where's Roche? I think Tigris just bought us a few days without her."

"Gee, thanks, my lord. I'm really feeling the love."

Roche melted out of the crowd like a ghost peeling from the shadows. She glanced at Tigris and Finn, her eyebrows lifting high across her forehead, "Kai's been looking everywhere for you three," she chided gently, "You're supposed to be on your thrones!"

"We were sent to look for you," Aodh said smugly, "You are getting out of our hair for the next week!"

"What?" Roche asked flatly, confused. Tigris explained the new arrangements, and Roche scowled instantly.

"So I have to serve both you and this Lady Lina?" she whined, "But that's so much work!"

"I know, it's almost like that's your job!" Tigris replied with a smirk. Roche's scowl deepened.

"No it's not! My contract said I only had one royal arse to serve, and that's yours!"

"Well, the contract also said that you should do what I say!" Tigris shot back, crossing her arms over her chest, "You should be honoured!"

"Honoured?" Roche squawked, her face reddening, "For getting extra work for a week?!"

Tigris swatted the girl's head. "For being personally recommended to the role by a princess. Besides, you have no choice!" Tigris clapped her shoulder, hard, "Get a move on!"

"I hate you so much," Roche growled, stalking off towards the doors. Tigris watched her go silently. Aodh leaned in.

"We can put her in the dungeons for saying that, you know?"

Tigris flashed him a smile. "Ah, but I think she's got her hands full already."

A/N: Two late chapters in a row?! Sorry everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Heads up, the next chapter is going to be ridiculously long just so that this book fits the chapter limit on Wattpad, so I might take a few days before updating again just so that you're not reading through 50+ pages of content in two days 💀

As always, happy reading!