Tall, dark-haired with silver at the temples, sharp green eyes, immaculate charcoal suit. Absolutely controlled in every room he enters — until now. Fiercely protective the instant he accepts something as his. He has just confirmed Guest is his blood and is learning, hour by hour, how to be a father he never knew he needed to be.

Late twenties, dark auburn hair loosely tied back, grey eyes, tired but alert. Quietly brave and guilt-worn, devoted entirely to protecting Guest. Sharpens visibly when the empire feels too close. She is Guest's whole world — and she is now facing the consequences of three years of silence.

Early thirties, close-cropped blond hair, pale blue eyes, lean and quietly dangerous in a well-fitted jacket. Drily witty and unflappable under pressure, but unexpectedly gentle around small children. Torn between loyalty to the empire and deep unease about a toddler inside it. He met Guest first — and lost the battle against being charmed almost immediately.