December 2
Mikino and Isyllt Afternoon A Palace Courtyard
He had his own guard with him this time, a pair of them. A man and a woman who would not have hesitated to commit treason in his name when he had stood against Sidonie. Would they have compromised their values to the point of abducting the Asrai if their lord commanded it? It was impossible to say for certain, but few would have bet against it. They looked hardened enough, alert as they flanked Lord Judgment, Always half a step behind. A gala meant a lot of tired faces the day after, but Mikino looked no worse for the wear. He was out of his colors again, but his crest was worked neatly into the design. The shades he chose now reflected those which Melisande Wyndel had chosen for herself, and some may have taken meaning from that. The world was changing though.
“Lady ab Ystwth. A moment, if you would.” It was not a question. Another cause for concern. He was approaching her alone, aside from those loyal and very armed guards at his back. Azyebel had demanded he stay clear of her for the remainder of the previous day and its gala and he had done that. Now the restriction was lifted and he had willfully sought her out. There were people all around, of course. Perhaps none that would intervene if things turned ugly, and there was every chance he meant to bring her somewhere with a bit more solitude. His wings were held taut against his back once more today and he at least looked to be himself. He had stopped a respectable distance from her. All good, reassuring signs. But then, he had proven that his particular brand of impulse was capable of its own manipulations.