A familiar face and a exotic suitor

Sun was setting when Annalise and her father arrived at the ambassador's place. The palace was located at the shore of the lake and as they get out of the carriage, torches had been lined up on the path leading to the entrance.

"He definitely lives big," Annalise said as she and her father walked over to the entrance.

"The Southern Islands have a really lucrative trade, especially with the realms in the South," her father said. "And I think he wants to show off that. And also influence some of the lords in a way which will improve their trade even more."

They soon were greeted by the ambassador himself. The man, about the age of Annalise's father, had dark skin and his arms looked like he could lift crates of goods himself with ease.

"I am glad you could make it," the ambassador told her father. "And this lovely young woman is?"

"My daughter, Annalise," the duke said and the young redhead made a bow.

"Lovely," the ambassador said. "A young woman like you must be thrilled to be in such a place."

"It is a wonderful city," Annalise said. "I am very eager to see more of it in the next weeks."

"Father!" someone suddenly called and a moment later a young man appeared next to the ambassador. He was clearly his father's son and Annalise found herself mustering the muscular body of the young man, who was maybe a few years older than her. "The archmaster asked for you."

"Tell him that I will be with him quickly," the ambassador said. "May I use the opportunity to introduce you to the Duke of the Fjordlands and his daughter Lady Annalise."

His son shook Annalise's father's hand and then turned his attention to Annalise. She noticed that he took quite a few moments to muster here. "Nice to meet you, Lady Annalise, I am Amal."

"Nice to meet you," Annalise said and blushed a bit as she had her hand kissed.

"Well, I should see what the arch master needs," the ambassador said. "Feel free to wander around and enjoy yourself."

Annalise's dad thanked the ambassador and while he and his son disappeared, the duke and his daughter headed to the main party. A lot of people had gathered, chatting and soon Annalise's father was busy chatting with some other nobles, while Annalise wandered around. There were plates with fruit and food, so she took some bites.

She was just having some fruits when she noticed a woman, who was just chatting with some other guests. Annalise almost choked on some grapes as she realized that it was the woman from the market earlier, who bought the pregnancy control potions. As she coughed, the woman seemed to have noticed Annalise and excused herself from the guests, just to walk over to the young woman.

"Haven't we met before?" she said with a smirk.

"I ... I guess so," Annalise said.

"Helena," the woman introduced herself. "And your name is?"

"Annalise."

"A nice name," the woman said and took some grapes. "Now, Annalise," she then continued. "I saw you entering with the duke and I simply assume you his daughter, right?" Annalise nodded. "A noble lady like you can have so much fun here," the woman said and smirked again.

"What do you mean?" Annalise asked a bit confused, although she had an impression of where this was going.

"For example, I can see that the ambassador's son, who is standing across the room, sipping on some wine, seems to look over in your direction a lot more than he does with the other guests. If you give him the right signals, he could be eager to show you around the palace a bit."

"I ... this wouldn't be appropriated," Annalise said while blushing.

The woman smirked again and put another grape into her mouth. "Girl, this isn't the place to think about morals too much. People have sex all the time. Enjoy yourself."

"I ... I don't know ...," Annalise said. She looked across the room and Amal's eyes met hers. He raised his cup to greet her, before she quickly looked away. "He seems interested."

"Don't make it too easy but also not too hard for him," Helena said. "If you decide to take a move. Although I doubt he won't take a chance himself." She picked up some more grapes and gave Annalise a smile. "Time for me to head back," she said. "Some men need some attention. Before I leave. Silversmiths's Road No. 10. Just knock on the red door."

"What there?" Annalise asked.

"My place," the woman responded as she turned around.

"Why should I come there?"

"I don't know," the woman said. "Maybe to learn. Maybe for some inapprobiated fun for a young lady? That will be your decision."