Corner Khaliq.

"Khaliq, it's good to see you." you say, offering the southerner your friendliest smile.

"And it's most unexpected to see you, Your Majesty." Khaliq responds. "I, uh... didn't know you knew Roland."

“Only in passing.” you lie. “But he is, ultimately, pledged to my service. I thought it would be remiss of me to visit those wounded in the skirmish yesterday without seeing him. Especially since our paths crossed so... dramatically.”

“Oh, that's understandable, Majesty.” Khaliq says cordially. “I brought you some food, Sir Roland. Courtesy of the finest cooks in our camp. My mother has always said people on this continent know precious little about the culinary arts. Particularly when it comes to spices and seasoning.”

You notice Roland's lips curling into an unusual non-predatory smile. You can imagine what's running through his mind. Finally, he must be thinking, some deference. Some respect.

Once your cousin and the heir to the mercenary army have exchanged some pleasantries, you pull Khaliq aside, out into the corridor.

“Just out of curiosity, Khaliq,” you slur. “Just how much of what me and Sir Roland were saying did you hear.

“Nothing, Your Majesty.” Khaliq says. You stare him down for a couple of seconds. Either the young warrior is an exceptionally good liar, or he's being honest. “To be honest with you, I was off in my own world.”

“Daydreaming of silk slips and lacy garters?” you ask playfully, inclining your body towards Khaliq. He shoots back a scandalised smile, scanning the hallway for anyone who might overhear his secret in turn.

“No!” Khaliq protests unconvincingly.

“Oh, I bet you were. I can't exactly blame you. You'd give any woman in my court a run for her money.” you assure the inexperienced young warrior.

“Well, maybe a little...” he concedes, glancing down sheepishly at the stone floor.

“I meant what I said, you know.” you say, drawing closer to Khaliq. For his part, the sell-sword prince does not pull away. “I really want to see you, all dressed up.”

“I haven't had a chance to indulge my hobby further, what with all that's been happening.” Khaliq responds. “It would be... most pleasurable to do so once again.”

You knew enough about temptation, both giving in to it and being the cause, to know you had Khaliq in the palm of your hand right now. As much as he enjoyed his dressing up alone, in you he had an eager observer, someone who would admire, encourage and compliment him, all the while remaining discreet. Or so he believed. You would indulge him, bend him to your will. Mother would be proud.

“Come to my quarters.” you tell the young lion. “Bring a your gown, your wig in a bag. I can make sure we have the place to ourselves.” you say, flashing him a conspiratory smile.

“Won't your... queen be about, Your Majesty?” Khaliq asks, apprehensive, like a cautious doe needing to be lured into the perfect spot for the hunter's arrow.

“Kara is queen of nothing, as of yet.” you clarify. “And as I said, I can ensure our privacy. Will I see you there?”

“As soon as my daily duties are attended to, Your Majesty.” Khaliq says, accented voice trembling. “It should not be more than, eh, a couple of hours.”

“Then I shall await you there, my sweet.” you chuckle. “Don't forget, blue garments are in fashion this season.”