[OOC: GM approval was given for me to give Kuzco a reasonable excuse to bow-out]

Phoebus cocked a sideways grin. "Depending on your definition, it has either a very bad reputation, or a very good one. Regardless, your possessions and your person are perfectly safe there. No one will touch you or your things -- without your express invitation, of course." He winked playfully, then sobered and gave a half-bow. "Myself included. I enjoy a good bit of fun, but not at the expense of those who didn't sign up for it."

He raised an eyebrow at Merida's tone and comment to Philip. "At no point did I say or indicate that you needed to stay here while I dealt with the needs of His Majesty's entourage. They required examination and assistance; you did not. That you are still [i]near[/i] the city rather [i]inside[/i] is the result of your own choice."

He quickly bowed to the new prince, fully desensitized to the entrance of yet more royalty, by this point. "Captain Phoebus deMartan, at your service."

While the conversation had been going, Kuzco had been quietly discussing something with a few of said entourage. The Emperor cleared his throat and thanked Phoebus for the clothes and information, but announced that he and his people would be camping outside the city overnight, anyway. They would enter Paris in the morning, when the various officials would be available to approach.

The knight nodded. "Of course, that's perfectly fine. I will inform the other guards that you are not a threat. You shouldn't be bothered again, so long as the laws of civility are followed. The rest of you can follow me to Le Pomme D'Eve, if you like. I'll get you taken care of." 

He quickly mounted Achilles -- who stopped flirting at Khan and slipped into the horse equivalent of Soldier Mode -- and trotted back into the city. A few quick hand signals to the guards manning the gate communicated the basic situation, and then it was only about a quarter mile to the inn.

Le Pomme D'Eve was more bustling than usual, with loud music and periodic cheers being heard in the large building even from the street. Phoebus dismounted and handed his reins to a stable hand, flipping the boy a coin as he did. Suddenly, he noticed someone else approaching the entrance.

"Esmeralda!" he exclaimed dramatically. "My love, my darling, my moonlight on the Seine!" He rushed forward to sweep her off her feet.

Esmeralda smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, my sunshine..." she replied silkily. 

Phoebus expertly redirected his momentum to narrowly dodge a cuff to the ear, which was followed by a casual swipe between his legs. He managed to get behind her and hug her around the stomach. He then kissed her cheek and let her go. 

"I can't wait until we're properly married," the captain laughed heartily.