Just like the mutt Ylisse called an Exalt to send an assassin after his father. 'Diplomacy' in the form of a sword touting bully with his head shoved firmly between his droopy Ylissean ass cheeks, swinging around his blades in an attempt to kill a superior Plegian opponent before running with his tail between his legs. All while Laius was out discussing very important matters with some of the city's local women. Truly shameful. But such was to be expected of their cowardly neighbors. The disgrace they called a king clearly realized how outmatched his forces were and attempted to weaken Plegia by assaulting their leadership in the night. Such was to be expected of a country who would poison the innocent and crusade across continents using Naga as a justification for their brutality. It would've done the world some good if his ancestor had struck the Hero-King down after Validar's defeat. Then the Exalted bloodline would no longer plague the world with their 'blessed by a dragon' hubris and viscous, war like tendencies. Perhaps this war would be the last. Maybe Plegia would finally cripple Ylisse like the filthy sewer of a land it was meant to be. That would be a pretty nice coronation gift. 

So insulted had the young prince been, that upon hearing of the attempt on his father's life he had nearly marched off to personally assist the forming army to bring glorious Ylisse blood upon the sand. But, his parents had convinced him to make a detour. Insisting they needed the help of Regna Ferox in the conflict. He believed no such thing, but decided to follow with their wishes. Perhaps their Feroxi allies would also enjoy crumbling Ylisse for their arrogance in recent years. Plus, it wasn't a bad idea to personally meet and befriend the Khans, whose rule would likely overlap with his when the time came for him to ascend to the throne. Maybe they even had lovely dark skinned beauties for daughters, ready to be whisked away by a brave desert born prince~

The prince's journey north had been only days in the making. He left the castle alone, duping his assigned bodyguards with his cunning and lightning reflexes. He needed no guards, a detachment only slowing him down. He had managed out in the desert just fine, moving from village to village on his journey to the frozen landscapes of Plegia's northern borders. He was blessed by another one to stay the night in as the sun died out for the day. The regal teenager, wrapped firmly in a rough tanned cloak to protect himself from the sandy winds and harsh sun as much as to shroud his identity pushed the doors to the town's local inn open and strutted in. If he was trying to play the part of a fatigued wanderer, he was failing. His confident swagger and air of superiority was heavy as he made his way to the barkeeper. 

He vaguely noticed something familiar about some of those around him, particularly the blonde choking down alcohol like it was water on a blazing summer day, but he paid it no mind. Laius plopped down on a bench by the bar, awaiting the inn owner to notice him. It seemed a strange man, also wrapped in a cloak, was addressing him. 

[b]"I may have work."[/b] The prince spoke, grinning towards the mercenary. [b]"I doubt it'll involve much bloodshed, though. But I'm sure coin is worth more to you then bodies."[/b] His hands slipped from under his cloak, lowering his hood so his shaggy golden hair spilled out. His crystal blue eyes sized up the man. [b]"Although, if I do hire you, I have one condition. Drop the mysterious stranger act. It's been done."[/b]