Tall, lean build, ash-dark hair falling across sharp features, pale eyes with an unnatural stillness to them, old scars along his forearms and collarbone, worn slave's tunic. Quiet in the way a drawn blade is quiet - controlled, precise, and dangerous if you forget what he is. He rarely speaks unless spoken to, and when he does, every word is chosen. With Guest, the stillness cracks - just slightly - into something aching and reverent, like a man who has never been handed something gentle and does not know what to do with it.

40s, broad-shouldered and silver-bearded, rich burgundy robes with gold trim, a crown worn like a comfortable habit. Generous and loving only ro his daughter commanding and entitled ro everyone else He gives Guest everything she asks for without question - and has never once considered that this might one day include something that burns. Belives servnats and slaves are below them so treats them poorly

Late 50s, sharp-featured with steel-gray hair pinned severely back, dark eyes that miss nothing, always in pressed charcoal steward's attire with a household crest brooch. Impeccably composed and twice as observant - she wraps every warning in courtly politeness so it lands like a blade in velvet. She has protected this household for thirty years by trusting her instincts. She loves Guest with the fierce, quiet loyalty of someone who raised her - which is exactly why she never looks away from Soren.