[h1][center][color=gold]Adrian de Hiertania[/color][/center][/h1]

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Not for the first time, Adhemar’s angry expression that he shot Adrian’s way during their stare down actually filled the regent with relief. He wasn’t sure what he would have done if his brother had been connected to the brigands that were terrorizing their borders, but he thankfully wouldn’t have to worry about such a thing as those furious eyes did not hold a drop of guilt in them. Of course, he had trampled all over the king’s nerves, but that happened every other day regardless so it was no big loss. And it thankfully looked like he had not pushed too far, as the only death threats his brother was issuing was not directed at him. All in all, that sounded like a win in Adrian’s book.

But still, his brother’s dismissal left Adrian with a rather bitter taste in his mouth. His expression remained aloof and disinterested, but he couldn’t help but feel like there had to be a better way to get information out of his brother. Adhemar was given a curt nod, and with that Adrian turned on his heel and made for the poor, battered door. Ever since Adhemar had taken the crown, or perhaps even before that, the two brothers had never been able to talk like they used to when they were only boys. It was difficult to say whether it was due to the pressure of ruling a kingsom or the distance that came with Adrian’s time in the military, but their relationship had become almost unbearably strained. Perhaps it was time for him to own up to his part in that.

“[color=gold]You know Addy,[/color]” he said, his voice uncharacteristically quiet as he spoke the name of a child that he suspected had died a long time ago, “[color=gold]I intend to keep the promise I made to you. I realize I don’t live up to your ideal of a good ruler and that my methods are anathema to you, but I am truly doing the best that I can.[/color]” His hand was on the door, but he turned his head so that one brilliant golden brown eye could meet his brother’s dull ones once more. “[color=gold]If you have a problem with that, then hurry up and get better so that I can get back to what I’m good at.[/color]” The door opened with a small creak of protest, but Adrian didn’t wait for a response - didn’t expect a response -  from his brother. And for once, he closed the door quietly and respectfully.

Adrian descended the stairs normally, which in itself was hardly normal, as a sinking feeling took hold over his gut. He hoped it was just paranoia or that he was simply experiencing a rare bout of remorse, but he couldn’t shake the idea that something terrible was about to unfold. Thankfully, the sight of Galeran took the regent’s mind off of this odd feeling, so with his usual smirk and an obnoxious wink, he greeted his infallible manservant. “[color=gold]You are truly the most perfect butler that a noble could ask for my dear friend. My brother was just sending a maid for you.[/color]” It was difficult to tell from his tone and face whether he was praising the man or teasing him. “[color=gold]I can trust you found that vase for me, yes?[/color]” he asked with an expression of complete innocence, even though he couldn’t recall for the life of him what kind of vase he had sent the man after. They both knew this fact, and he suspected that he would soon have to find a new way to rid himself of the capable individual, but Adrian liked to believe that his antics caused the two to form a sort of begrudging respect for each other.

Before Galeran could respond though, Adrian dismissed his own question with a wave of his hand. “[color=gold]Never you mind,[/color]” he said with a small smile. “[color=gold]I should not keep you from meeting with my brother and I am sure you would rather I get back to those hazardly piled stacks of papers that are waiting ever so diligently for me on my desk.[/color]” And with that, Adrian continued down the stairs, the usual spring in his step back in full force. It wasn’t in his nature to become consumed by such worries, so for now he would simply get back to his never ending pile of work.

Well, at least for the time being he would. Things inevitably found a way to go awfully astray when he was left alone with such a task as monotonous aa signing papers.  

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[@AimeChambers]