Dschamilla had seen Cleone enter.
King Cleone of Lux Pulchrae, who had impressed the Grand Vizier and who had won her friendship, maybe more. She was not quite sure yet. Still, she liked him... but how much she liked him, she only became aware of it as he saw the brunette at his side. A deep and ugly feeling rose within her, all hidden behind a mask of professionalism, only her eyes telling of the jealousy she felt towards the woman.
She did not know, that the Baroness of Rioblanco was his cousin.
She also almost missed her little brother's reply. Fara had nodded at him stating, that she had served with the Mechanized, something she was proud of.
"Indeed there is a mandatory service.", Karim said and gave a small smile, nodding, "I'm not sure, if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers spots, but if they do, I would love to take one of them. Especially if it leads me back here... I've heard many things about the poetry and art of the Dancerians and I would love to learn more about it. I am interested in poetry myself." He let a beat pass, Fara hiding a smile at the way he phrased it. "Of course, such studies would be in the name of international understanding."
Al-Zahir smiled into his long beard at that.