[@EmzyOfNeverland] [@Silmaril]

"Only 'kinda' missed me?" Adam chuckled then listened to the rest of what Nik had to say.  "Why don't you tell him about me- about us?"  He knew it was more complex than that, considering Nik was royalty, but he couldn't help but feel hurt sometimes.  He usually kept these hurt emotions aside, knowing Niklaus has a lot on his plate, especially being the oldest sibling, but they slipped out a bit now.  "You're the heir, any son you produce with your true mate will then be the heir," Adam said, the yearning to be in public with Nik clearly there.

Adam heard Alia's goodbye, and was sure to peek out and wave, wishing her good travels.  Yes, some children of the royal family treated him with little to no respect, but he didn't mind.  That was how royalty went most of the time, so having the handful of children who enjoyed him made everything worth while.

~~~~~~~~~~

A wave of relief washed over Helena as Deena spoke.  The woman wasn't creeped out at all by her sudden appearance, mainly just surprised.  As Deena bowed, Helena shook her head and bowed back, something highly permitted from any royalty to do to a "lower ranked" person, save very special, rare circumstances.  "No please," Helena said, rising up from the bow, "the honor is all mine."

At Deena's comment about not expecting Helena in the bar.  "I'm usually not out here much," Helena explained, relaxing into the conversation, "The castle had been busier recently now that I'm almost of age," she paused a bit, and continued, smiling,  "But out here is great.  I'm not higher up than anyone, I just get to be... well, I just get to be me."

Though she might not admit it, Helena was glad they were alone backstage.  It felt a little silly and a little childish, but she was a grateful to have Deena to herself with minimal distractions.  "What about you?" Helena asked, removing the attention from herself and moving it to Deena, "You have such a beautiful voice, why do you share it?"