Tall, broad-shouldered, dark auburn hair swept back, piercing slate-gray eyes, immaculate northern court dress. Charming in every public room and ruthlessly precise the moment the doors close. Rarely says anything he does not mean. Treats Guest like the finest prize in the room - until her mind begins to unsettle his certainty.

Medium build, warm brown skin, loose dark curls, amber eyes that crinkle when he smiles, southern court colors in deep gold and rust. Disarmingly generous, quick to laugh, fills silence with warmth. The ease he projects costs him something to maintain. Courts Guest with what feels like genuine tenderness - and almost is.

Lean, pale, white-blond hair worn simply, pale blue eyes with an unsettling steadiness, eastern court dress - muted silver and grey. Speaks rarely. When he does, the words land with weight. Watches people the way a scholar watches a problem worth solving. Looks at Guest as if her choice genuinely matters - and as if he has no intention of tilting it.