Robert strode through the halls of Licia Palace, half flushed with anger and embarrassment and half thrilled that the causes of the above were over. He tried not to dwell too much on what might be running through Eirian Lindval’s mind upon having met the Princess, Herbert and seen him in their company. He had to admit – they’d…affected his behavior more than he would have originally cared for. Despite himself, he’d felt the need to quietly assure Eirian Lindval that one did indeed “become accustomed” to Herbert Dubhan; to his manner of speaking, his lack of formality and his abundant familiarity with the Princess.
“I can assure you, that although Mr. Dubhan is…fond of breaking protocol, he is a most capable Guard and partner.” Robert said, while rubbing his temples all the same. “He and the Princess share a particular confidence in each other. Mr. Dubhan was raised by the late Princes Dwayne and I believe it comforts her…to have someone with memories of him nearby.”
It wasn’t until he arrived outside of Francois Moreau’s room that Robert began to question that notion. “Popcorn?” Offered the Deamone man, in an apparent apologetic gesture. It might have worked if it wasn’t for the fact that it meant their ward was currently alone in the presence of two unknown and potentially dangerous men.
“Are you out of your mind, leaving her alone with them?”
“I thought we settled this yesterday. I’m right here and I sincerely doubt they’d be dumb enough to try anything now, if they meant to do so in the first place that is.”
Narrowing his eyes, Robert replied with a scoff and proceeded to enter the room. The Princess sat in a chair at the third-realmer’s bedside, movie images flickering on a screen and the man’s quiet attendant in a corner.
“Princess.” He said, bowing severely and taking a stand by her side. “Given the recent events, I believe leaving you unsupervised would be…unwise.” He whispered into her ear. With a nod she indicated her approval. The entire episode promised to end quietly until the King came in and informed, indirectly, Robert and Herbert of the Princess’ marriage arrangements. Even when King Orion was gone Robert stood and gaped at the young woman in the chair. Even he was privy to her feelings regarding arranged marriages. While they were standard fare among the upper echelons of Lician society, he knew that as a Deamone Princess she retained the right to choose her own husband at any time. Until now, he’d known her to be more agreeable to that tradition than the prospect of a loveless match. Pride and sadness radiated from his heart towards the young girl before him, but it all immediately took a backseat to Herbert’s apparent outrage.
Obeying both the King’s order and saving his Princess what would have undoubtedly been an uncomfortable conversation, Robert gripped Herbert’s arm and walked him out of the room. Herbert fumed in silence and didn’t even offer Alarice his arm when she finally walked out to join them.
“How much longer until supper?” She asked softly, looking about as admonished as Robert could expect her to while keeping face.
“Why don’t you ask your fiancé?” Retorted Herbert before Robert could answer.
“Really, Herb?” She whispered back harshly, before turning to smile at a passing Quinn.
“Thank you for volunteering Quinn. I’m sure Mr. Moreau and his assistant will be much more comfortable with you to attend to them.”
“You’re having her wait on them too?” Grumbled Herbert once the brunette was out of sight, his arms crossed childishly before himself. “First you’re getting married and now you’re taking away my morning coffee! Anything else? Is Miss. Lindval getting my vacation days because who needs those?!”
“Oh for the realms! Put a cork in it Herbert.” Robert snapped, turning them away from the Princess’ room and towards the King’s selected dining room instead. If she changed he’d have to bear his nonsense while she dressed. Alarice seemed to have no protest to this, choosing to chatter softly about Eirian being lovely and pleasant and asking him questions about her. The subject was a pleasant change of pace and Robert was smiling most amiably when they joined the King for dinner. Of course – it wasn’t an entirely pleasant dinner.
“I was not informed of the Princess’ engagement.” Herbert stated outright, as soon as he, the King, the Princess and Robert were alone.
“I’m not engaged Herbert.” Alarice murmured serenely, placing a napkin delicately onto her lap.
“The Princess has agreed to consider a list of suitable candidates. To be put together by the Council and Court respectively. I did not think your consultation was required, Mr. Dubhan. She has only agreed to become engaged to one of them and of course…she retains her rights by Deamone law to reject the list outright. Though, of course the committee on the matter will seek to gather men suitable to the task in all ways: appearance, breeding, intellect, political benefit…”
“I represent the interests of the late Prince in all things regarding the Princess – King Orion. That was the agreement and the role the Deamone Council entrusted to me. I should have been informed of this before it took place.”
A flicker of what could have been anger or annoyance flashed through the King’s eyes only to be replaced by an amiable smile.
“Of course Mr. Dubhan. Forgive the oversight. I’ll have the list of candidates forwarded to you. Satisfied?”
Although Herbert nodded to the affirmative, Robert had the feeling this was something he’d be hearing about later. It wasn’t something he looked forward to with any degree of delight.