The sultan seemed to leave them right as they entered the room, and Quentin was both offended and relieved, until the Sultan came back with someone in tow. Quentin blinked, a little surprised; the boy following the sultan had a kind, laughter-filled face, with dark, intelligent eyes that immediately silently greeted Quentin with curiosity. Quentin scowled at him without meaning to. Quentin hated adults, yes, but he hated teenagers even more. He quickly corrected his facial expression as the sultan beamed at both of them, gently placing a hand on the dark skinned boy's back. "It's a pleasure to introduce you both to my son, Prince Naeem. He's turning sixteen this year, in the winter."
Naeem was quickly attacked with crooning handshakes from Auntie Lesauvage, and he tittered politely, bending his head to lightly peck the woman on the hand out of customary greeting. At least, Quentin assumed it was customary, but the sultan looked a little surprised regardless. Perfectly delighted with this display, Quentin's aunt quickly gestured to Quentin himself with a flourish. "And this is Quentin; I'm sure you two will get along very nicely!"
[15]