Violet looks around and finally, she spots her. Excited and a little heated, she takes a step forward. Then she pauses and raises an eyebrow. What's that squirt doing there? She wonders.

As Violet watches, little Alice wraps her arm around Arias’ arm and leads him to walk around. She smiles, she giggles, and Violet's eyes widen. No! Impossible! Not my baby Alice! She exclaims before she rushes over with determined steps.

Myriam catches sight of his son, and immediately feels the urge to scold him. So she walks over, but when she arrives, she stops, and her expression changes. “Violet! You’re still here! Wonderful! Come, we’ll take Arias somewhere to chat.” She says with a smile before moving behind Arias to pinch at his back.

“Ah! Alright! Damn.” Arias says as she walks forward under threat with Alice.

Violet raises an eyebrow before a thought occurs to her. No, this could work. She thinks, considering the matter. Just gotta work a little magic. She thinks with a smile. “Of course.” She says happily as she follows the group.

Alice sneaks a peak at Violet and her neck shrinks. Damn, she found me. She thinks, somewhat displeased.

Arias shakes his head as he continues to feel the sharp pain at his back. Damn, she found me. He thinks unhappily.

The group walk somewhere where the air was a little clearer and the space was somewhat more free.

“So, I was wondering… If you weren’t too busy on the weekend, maybe you’d like to join Arias and I for lunch. There are a few delicacies from the Emerald Trident Kingdom that I’ve always wanted to try. I hear you guys have aquatic chickens where the meat is similar to fish without any of the smell.” Myriam says, making conversation while extending an invitation.

Violet lets out a chuckle. “That’s just what we tell foreigners to poke fun. They’re much more flavorful, but ultimately, they still taste like chicken.” She says before looking to Alice. Okay, here goes. Don’t worry, little Alice. You’ll be in mama’s arms soon. She thinks a little lustfully, her cheeks blushing at the thought. “As for your invitation… Unfortunately, I’ll be making the trip back home on the weekend. But perhaps Arias could join me? And maybe you can bring your girlfriend?” She says trying to sound nonchalant. Oh, Alice, journeying together, sharing a tent. What a dream it would be. She thinks, getting lost in her dreams.

Seeing the weird silence, Violet clears her throat and comes back to reality. “I’d love to show Arias around the kingdom.” She says, a little nervous, wondering where she lost them.

Arias looks back with a blank expression. “She’s my cousin, you dope.” He says without consideration.

“Arias! Be more polite!” Myriam exclaims before turning to Violet. “And I’m sure Alice wouldn't mind coming along. I know Arias would love to join you.” She says before immediately twisting her fingers.

“Agh! Yes, I’d like to join. Damn.” Arias says, just hoping to get through this conversation.

Alice looks to Arias and lets out a sigh. “I wouldn’t mind coming along.” She says, lacking enthusiasm.

Myriam smiles. “Delightful. And little Rodrick will come along too; you kids should see the world while you can.” She says, already making plans.

Arias looks up, a little worried. “Will you be coming along?” He asks. He’d prefer if his freedom wasn’t limited too much on this trip.

Myriam lets out a mischievous smile. “Of course, not. I have other plans. I’m tracking a young but very special beast. He's a tricky little thing, but I’m confident I can lure it into a trap.” She says, intent on finding the truth.

“Oh?” Arias says with a smile. “Well that’s unfortunate. I hope you catch it. The tricky one’s are the worst; always think they’re better than everyone.” He says with a shake of his head. Animals are still animals in the end. He thinks with a sigh.

Myriam lets out a laugh. “Yes, indeed.” She says before hiding her smile behind her glass of wine.

Violet raises an eyebrow, a little curious. But ultimately, she got what she wanted. She had no idea who Rodrick was, but she didn’t care. As long as Alice was there. “That’s great.” She says before considering the details. “Will you be sending an armed guard with them? We’ll feel much safer with extra security.” She says.

Myriam smiles. “Of course.” She says. “Can’t be too careful these days. Who knows what’s prowling around in the night.” She says. Myriam was sure that his father would be happy to send an armed guard, if for nothing more than to watch Arias.