2 Hall (2/2)

”Seven's like a tiger kitten, sure he's dangerous, but that's to the Emperor's enemies, and they know I can't be a traitor.” Nikolai stretched, casting one more look over the plans.

”You shouldn't say traitor so easily in his presence.” Chen murmured.

”Did you say something?”

”No….”

”What do you think she's like?” Nikolai asked, a little nervous at the thought of the woman he might marry.

”Can't you stay focused on one topic?” Chen shot back. ”What happened to finding a girl of your own?”

”Weeeeeeellllll, you're right about the problems in the capital.” Nikolai blushed a little. ”And considering the whole situation, my parents did go to all that effort and things would be simpler. I don't think they'd cause me harm.” Thoughts of the princes jockeying for power would cool anyone's ardour.

”You mean, you've realised how difficult meeting someone could be, and you can't be bothered.” Chen knew his friend far too well. He'd get worked up and act out in the heat of the moment but if it meant less work, he would be the first to jump on the bandwagon. Unless it was to do with magic or cooking.

”So?” Nikolai ignored the comments on his character.

”So, what?”

”So, what do you think she's like?”

”How would I know? If you didn't know that you even had a fiancée why would I care?”

”Aren't you my friend?”

Their voices trailed off, bickering, a shadow flowing after them, its eyes searching for threats and dangers.