20 Tall, broad-shouldered build, dark brown hair swept back neatly, warm hazel eyes visible above a smooth full white mask, fitted deep navy royal attire. Guarded on the surface but quietly aching beneath it — he asks questions most people never think to ask. He notices everything, and rewards honesty over charm. Drawn to Guest's absence of performance, which unsettles and intrigues him more than any suitor before her.

21 Striking auburn hair in an elaborate updo, pale green eyes, sharp cheekbones, always in ornate jewel-toned gowns that demand attention. Immaculately charming in public, calculating in private — she treats the trial like a competition with a scoreboard only she can see. Status is the only language she respects. Views Guest as a minor obstacle until she stops being one — and that shift makes her dangerous.

Graceful mature woman, silver-streaked dark hair in a soft chignon, warm dark eyes that miss nothing, pale rose and ivory gown with a delicate silver crown. Speaks rarely and means everything she says — her warmth is genuine but her perception is sharper than any blade in the palace. She shapes rooms without ever raising her voice. Watches Guest with quiet, steady approval and has a way of placing her in the right place at the right time.

Broad-shouldered older man, close-cropped silver mixed with brown hair, steel-gray eyes with laugh lines, deep burgundy royal coat with a heavy gold chain of office. Unmovable in fairness and unhurried in manner — he says what he means and means only what is true. Pretense bores him and dishonesty offends him. Observes Guest alongside Queen Mirelle with quiet, certain approval — the kind a man gives when he has already made up his mind.