Aria felt her cheeks burning even hotter, but she forced herself to meet Dandy's gaze head-on. "Alright," she said slowly, trying to recall the details of that particular encounter. "It... it happened one day during training. We were sparring and she managed to get me into a position where I was... vulnerable."

She paused, feeling her heart race as she tried to find the words to describe what came next. "She... touched me there," she whispered, blushing even deeper. "

It hurt at first, but then... it felt good." She closed her eyes, trying to block out the memory of the sensation as her body responded instinctively to the touch. "And then she... showed me how to make it feel better," she said softly, opening her eyes again and meeting Dandy's gaze.

Her siblings exchanged glances once more, their expressions a mix of shock and amusement. But they said nothing else as Aria continued with her story, describing the experience in greater detail for them.

Aria drew in a deep breath, trying to calm herself before responding. "Our relationship is not about age or physical attractions," she said carefully. "It's about respect, trust, and understanding." She took another sip of wine, hoping it would help ease the tension between them.

"Lady Althea has been through much in her life," Aria continued, "and I appreciate all that she's shared with me.

Aria laughed softly, feeling a little more at ease now that they were discussing something else. "I assure you, brother," she said with a wink, "my first time was nothing like you're probably imagining." She paused for a moment before adding, "And I hardly need your help to see Lady Althea whenever I please."

Her siblings chuckled at her response, the tension seeming to dissipate somewhat.

"That was lovely, James," Marianne said softly. "Truly." Emma nodded in agreement, her cheeks still flushed from excitement. "I swear, you should consider becoming a bard when all of this is over."

Aria smiled at her brother, pleased that she had been able to lighten the mood for a moment. "Perhaps we could all use some music more often," she mused. "It seems to have a way of bringing us together, even in our darkest times."

James smiled back at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, perhaps we could." He glanced around the dining hall again, this time with a different kind of longing in his gaze. For just a moment, she thought she saw him wish for something else entirely. Something more than just a fleeting moment of connection amidst their royal duties and responsibilities.

Marianne's cheeks flushed even deeper at the sound of his moan. "Well," she said, trying to regain her composure, "we should discuss how best to help you." She glanced at Emma, who nodded in agreement.

"We can try a few things," Emma began, her voice steady despite their shared amusement. "There are some lust-dampening potions we could make up for you, or perhaps a charm to lessen the effect of whatever curse is upon you." She paused, considering further options.

"A position?" Aria repeated, arching an eyebrow. "I don't quite understand." She glanced at her sisters again, who both looked equally confused.

Everett blushed deeply, realizing his mistake. "I mean, we could try having me spend time with Marianne in hopes that the... intensity fades over time," he stammered. "It's just a suggestion." He cleared his throat and looked away from them once more. "Or we could try one of those other options Emma mentioned."

"Oh, I wouldn't mind that," Marianne chimed in unexpectedly, her voice laced with amusement. "In fact, I think it would be rather interesting to watch." She turned back to Emma and winked conspiratorially. "After all, we're all adults here... might as well have a little fun, right?"

Emma looked torn between nervousness and anticipation before finally nodding slowly. "Alright," she whispered. "I trust you both."

The evening passed in a flurry of giggles, whispers, and stolen kisses as they prepared for their private party within the castle walls. Aria helped Emma choose an outfit that was both daring and elegant, while Sairex and Marianne saw to it that everything else was arranged accordingly. As they worked together, the tension between them seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

Finally, the moment arrived.

As her hands moved lower, tracing along the curves of his back and down to his arms, she couldn't help but notice the bruises that had formed on his skin. The sight made her heart ache with worry and helplessness; he was already pushing himself so hard, and there seemed to be no end in sight for their troubles.

"Ian," she began hesitantly, her voice shaking slightly. "You can't keep doing this." He stiffened beneath her touch, but didn't respond immediately. "

Aria took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to say. "You need to trust me, Ian. I know it's difficult, but we must find another way to protect our people." Her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, hoping that he would understand the depth of her concern. She knew they couldn't lose him too; not when everything else felt like it was falling apart around them.