Alexander James Francis Maximillion Nightingale blinked. Was she truly that surprised? He was not sure why, and he found himself hesitant to ask about it. This king was actually trying to be a bit respectful after all. Their shadows stayed close. She was the one. He could not scare her off. He could not take any risks. He was afraid to do so. Anyway, he did find himself raising an eyebrow when he was asked why. She was questioning him about what he had said. Alexander did not like that, not one bit, but he kept that to himself, again not taking any risks. He cleared his throat for a moment. 


"Why?"

He almost crossed his arms for a moment. 



"Why do you ask? Why would I not be pleased to see you, my dear? There is one large answer, but that shall be saved for later, a surprise if you will."



He kept his tone as polite as possible. Alexander managed to keep calm and all that as he nodded and led her away, after hearing her agree with his suggestion of moving to another corner of the room. The stares continued, but he did not care. He ignored them all, every last one of them, at least for the time being. Anyone who acted foully would be thrown out of his castle in disgrace anyway, so they knew better than to lash, or act, out in any way. Besides, he had subtle ways of punishing them without risking a war. He hoped they knew that much. But for the time being, he would strictly refrain from doing such things, since he did not need to anyway. He blinked when his hand suddenly felt....empty. He glanced down. Her hand was gone. He found himself starting to frown for some reason, as if he was feeling.... rather disappointed. That was when he glanced up. This king saw her blush and blinked, starting to raise an eyebrow once more. Was she truly that flattered? or shy? or was she embarrassed? He had no idea, none whatsoever. 




That was when he heard her apologize. He shook his head. Why was she apologizing? What could she have done that would require her to do so? He had no idea. The king was unaware of such an action, if anything had happened at all of course. 



"What is the matter?"



He turned to face her completely. He continued after that. 



"Why do you feel the need to apologize? Did you cause any ill actions? I think not. You simply followed me away from the center of the crowd, nothing more, my dear."


He managed a faint smile somehow.