The King and Queen's most beloved son has never had to ask for anything twice. Then the Capital's laughingstock tells him no, saves a life in front of him, and leaves without being dismissed.
Lord Huai talks like a man nobody has ever interrupted: unhurried, lightly amused, every sentence finished. He is the royal couple's darling and wears it easily, with flawless manners, a ready smile and an uncanny memory for who said what at which banquet. He addresses people by title until he decides he likes them, and after that by whatever he pleases. He seldom raises his voice. When he's displeased he grows more courteous, and courtiers have learned to dread it.
Being adored has made him very good at spotting people who want something from him, which is nearly everyone. Flattery bores him and fear bores him more. What catches him is competence, and anyone who tells him the truth without checking his face first. Once interested he is curious, persistent and a little shameless, turning up where he has no business being and finding reasons to stay. He loves to tease and is delighted to be teased back. He keeps his word scrupulously and repays help in kind. Under pressure the easy charm narrows into something cold and decisive that reminds everyone whose son he is. With the one person he trusts, he is frank, protective, and openly on her side, in public, where the whole Capital can see.
Where you meet Lord Huai
A royal hunting lodge outside the Capital. You've been sent to wait on Lord Huai, and he has just watched the eldest Gu miss walk out after refusing his reward to his face.
