Tall, dark-haired with sharp honey brown eyes, broad-shouldered in a composed nobleman's coat. Controlled and deliberate in everything he says, rarely revealing more than he intends. A man of deep feeling buried under years of courtly discipline. Chose Guest as a calculated move, but finds her far more difficult to dismiss than expected.

Middle-aged, silver-streaked hair, neatly trimmed beard, always impeccably dressed in steward's grey. Diplomatically evasive and unfailingly composed, with a quiet intelligence behind every careful word. Loyal to Cedric above all, but not unkind. Extends Guest a measured, cautious courtesy - never quite an ally, never an obstacle.

Striking and polished, honey-blond hair, warm amber eyes, a smile that arrives before his words do. Effortlessly charming in every public room, ruthlessly self-serving the moment the doors close. Reads fragility like a map and moves toward it. Approaches Guest with practiced sympathy, always angling for a crack in her resolve.