Thais followed Ren as he sneaked around the side of one of the pale sandstone walls. Leaning around the corner, Ren watched as a lady of the court engaged with a particularly handsome guard. As soon as the guard turned his back, Ren slipped past and into the garden. So long as he stayed in the crowd, he likely wouldn't be spotted. Behind Ren, Thais strolled through the pale arches. Now that he had gotten what he wanted from Ren, he seemed content to leave him be, instead drifting towards the tables decked with bowls of grapes and honey-covered pear.

It didn't take long for the guests, lords and ladies both, to start gravitating to Ren. The three golden stud earrings in his left ear advertised him as a prince, even to people who had never met him before. Being a bastard meant he wasn't really entitled to all three of them, but his mother and King Callun had always gone out of their way to treat all their sons equally. Ren was a Stag, like Hellic and Thais.

Sauntering over to the serving tables, Ren scooped up a golden goblet of red wine as he scanned the crowd. This was where he found himself most comfortable: in the midst of the game of giving and seeking information, soaking up everything valuable. Ren had perfected the ability to sound deeply interested in each and every person's gossip. People like these enjoyed feeling like they were friends with royalty, and it was surprising how much people were willing to share when faced with a prince's caring and empathetic smile. More than once, it had resulted in good deals. The prize mare with the silken steel grey coat Ren had gifted to Hellic on his fifteenth birthday had only cost Ren a single night under the rolling body of a nameless duke Ren had never seen again, but who was well known for his excellent steeds and would absolutely not sell his stunning yearling filly for any price. At least, not until Ren had shed his undershirt and made the duke forget all about his previous statements.

“Lord Ren! Oh, look how you've grown. The last time I saw you, you were no taller than this.”

Ren turned to see a lord with blond hair and a hooked nose wiggling a hand at waist height as he approached, a wine glass dangling precariously from the fingers of his other hand.

Ren looked around to make sure none of the guards had heard his name mentioned, then turned a brilliant smile on the man. “Lord Aevis. It's wonderful to see you again,” Ren said, shaking the man's hand.

“I was so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I heard his passing wasn't a peaceful one,” Lord Aevis said, offering Ren one of the doe-eyed expressions Ren himself had long since perfected.

“Thank you, Lord Aevis. It was a difficult time and we're all still grieving,” Ren said, letting his voice go faintly rough.