He groaned softly and rubbed his eyes with the backs of his hands, trying to dispel the last remnants of sleep as he sat up in bed. His heart raced, adrenaline pumping through his veins at the memory of the dream. The thought of Princess Analese in distress was enough to send chills down his spine.

Cautiously, he climbed out of bed and padded across the room to check on the door. It was locked, but that didn't matter;

there was no way he could just sit here and do nothing. He needed to make sure she was all right. With determination burning in his chest, he crept across the hall to her door and softly knocked. There was no answer, but still... something told him he had to try one more time.

He took a deep breath and tried again, this time speaking her name softly through the wood. "Princess Analese?" No response, but now that he'd called out for her, he felt compelled to do more.

"Good," Parker replied absently, still thinking about the portrait and the possibilities it might bring. "I'm sure you'll receive many letters in return." He glanced over at his mother, a small smile playing on his lips. Perhaps one of those letters would be from someone special...someone he could actually care about.

But for now, there were other matters to attend to. There was always another battle to fight and another alliance to secure.

"They're just responding to my charm," Parker replied with a shrug, though his smile betrayed his amusement. He glanced through the stack of letters, skimming over compliments and offers of alliance. There was something about one particular letter that caught his eye...it was different from the others.

The paper felt thicker, almost velvety to the touch, and there was a strange scent wafting up from it whenever he breathed in deeply.

"That's wonderful news," Parker says with genuine excitement. "The grand wizard's visit will surely bring many benefits to our kingdom. I can only hope that he finds favor in Gusta and chooses to offer his counsel or perhaps even forge an alliance with us." He furrows his brow, considering the possibilities. "We should prepare a lavish banquet in his honor and shower him with gifts."

Avery nods in agreement, their eyes brightening at the prospect of meeting such a powerful figure.

Parker nods thoughtfully, his mind already racing with possibilities. "If there is even a remote chance that the grand wizard's apprentice could one day become as powerful and influential as their mentor, it would be in our best interest to foster a strong relationship with them from the start," he says confidently. "Perhaps we could arrange for the apprentice to visit Gusta as well, under the guise of cultural exchange or something similar."

That surprises him. "He must trust you a great deal," he says thoughtfully. "Or maybe he doesn't realize the danger you could be putting yourself in." He winces as she tightens the bandage around his hand, but doesn't complain. The pain is starting to fade now that she's attending to him.

He glances over at the fire, lost in thought for a moment before asking, "Do you ever think about what it would be like to live in another kingdom? To experience something different from what you have here?"

Parker nods thoughtfully at her words. "I see... well, if that day ever comes, you must let me know." He pauses, then adds with a small smile, "We could always make a deal; protect each other while we're in each other's kingdoms."

The idea is unexpected but appealing to him. An alliance between them could be beneficial for both Gusta and Tasmania, and it would mean having someone he can trust by his side no matter where life takes them.

He led her through the winding corridors of the palace, pointing out important rooms and landmarks. "This is where we plan our attacks against Tasmania," he explained with a grin. "And this is where I come up with my most brutally honest insults." He paused for dramatic effect before adding, "They never see them coming."

She giggled lightly at that. "And what about your family? Do you get along well with your brother?" she asked curiously.

"Avery and I...

"Avery and I... Well, we don't see eye-to-eye on everything. He's more interested in politics than I am. But we love each other, you know?" he shrugged. "What about your family? Any brothers or sisters back home?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"I have two younger sisters but they're still in school." She replied as they continued walking. "How long do you plan on being prince until you take the throne?"

"A guess," you reply smoothly, keeping your eyes locked on hers as you dip her lower. "I've heard stories about the beauty of Tasmania's princesses. And I must say... you live up to every bit of the legend." You lean in closer, lowering your voice so that only she can hear. "And if it makes things any more interesting, my name is Alex."

You hold her close for a moment longer before pulling away, unable to resist the charm of her presence any longer.

"Well then, Analese," you say with a grin, "it seems fate has brought us together tonight. I can't help but wonder if that means something more... Something about the way you dance, the way you move... It feels like there's an unspoken understanding between us."

You take another sip from your drink, feeling the potion working its magic as you inhale her scent. "Perhaps we should find a quiet spot to talk further," you suggest, your voice low and seductive now.