Oh, good - so it wasn't just me about Winloki. Always reassuring to know you are reacting as the author intended.
I've only seen Eva Green in a few things, but she seems capable of a certain vivacity and has a certain presence which fit her well with Sinderian in my mind. Also, I think she would do an air of distracted moodiness well, which would suit. Mind you I do not envision her slathered with makeup, so she would be a bit freckly - there are not enough freckly people in books. She was in Ridley Scott's
Kingdom of Heaven, looking sultry, seductive and overly edited (one of these days I must try and get the extended edition of that, as I've heard it is quite the improvement on the theatrical release, character-wise) and had the chance to stretch her legs a little more as the mysterious Vesper in
Casino Royale (a Bond I very much enjoyed on character terms as well as adrenalin, which is not something you can say for every Bond).
Most of the others I visualise as "invented" people - but I'm curious to know whether you have anyone in mind for Prince Ruan.
As for your last, you are one of those frustrating writers who says she is tempted but in fact just wants to drive her readers up the nut, aren't you? How can you sit there and say there are very exciting developments coming, and hint that you are tempted to spill something, knowing that we are all on tenterhooks??? Just one tiny, teeny incy wincy little titbit...come on...you know you want to...
(Can't blame a gel for trying
)