It's hard not to smile in the face of all that.

"You're all the same, charming me to get your way," Mia says.

"They had to get into Vane on something besides talent alone to make it this far," Nash quips. "The city is ruthless."

Right about here, the guard who greeted Scorpius earlier comes rushing up, looking quite out of breath and apologetic.

"I'm very sorry- Master Scorpius- " he huffs, "-for the way I received you. Majesty Lemia- has informed me- that you are of the family."

He takes a deep breath and bows his head.

"I should have known only a member of the Malfoy-Ausa family would speak of Majesty Mia in such familiar terms. Please forgive me, Master Scorpius."

Nash quietly excuses himself, biting his lip to contain his laughter, while Mia blinks and glances at Scorpius.

"Did this guard offend you, Scorpius?"