Aria's mood had changed so suddenly, before he had been content, happy even, enjoying himself. Now he felt miserable.
Now Narim was out of sight he could hear snatches of conversation from the chattering people around him.
"... blonde like the last one, must be his type. She's quite lovely."
"Not as lovely as Aria, I was at the ceremony when his Highness wedded that lad, saw him with my own eyes."
"Let's pray Rased will look more kindly on his Highness with this one, she doesn't look like the betrayin' kind."
"You'd of said that of Aria had you seen him, goes to show there's wickedness in the most unlikely places."

Aria had heard enough, he felt dizzy.
" Damon... can we go home... please...? " he begged, quietly.