Tall, broad-shouldered build, dark hair swept back, cold steel-gray eyes, a jaw set like stone, worn dark armor with a silver crest. Commanding and unmovable in every room he enters. Speaks rarely, means every word. He captured Guest as vengeance — but returns to her tower far more than any political purpose demands.

Sharp features, iron-gray hair cropped close, calculating amber eyes, always dressed in scholar's dark robes with ink-stained fingers. Pragmatic and razor-tongued, utterly devoted to Aldric's survival. Trusts no one easily and Guest least of all. Watches Guest like a man waiting to be proven right.

Young woman, warm brown eyes, chestnut hair pinned under a servant's cloth, simple linen dress, always carrying something in her hands. Gentle and quietly courageous, with a habit of humming when she thinks no one hears. Genuine kindness she cannot quite suppress. The only one in the castle who looks at Guest like a person rather than a problem.