[h2]Pvt. Aden Roberston[/h2] 

Aden wish he could say that by now he was used to the fragile nature of moments. How things could swing in a seeming instant with no thought given to one's preparedness. 

Like how it had gone from the silent comforting weight of Zoe on his shoulder to silent, confusion as a tall man in the blue garb of Mitteland swung her around to both their amusement. Their familiarity and Aden's belated realization of what that meant brought a slight hint of awkwardness as he stepped back uncertainly. 

Zoe was well...Zoe. Shared trauma and experiences did a little to removing some of the awkwardness of watching royalty act casual. The prince, Prince Maximillian, was not familiar to him. Though one wouldn't know it by the way he talked to Aden. 

The private pondered whether a casual disregard for formality was just a trait born into Zoe's family.

[quote=@Dyelli Beybi]
"Another Ardellian?" he remarked in surprise, "Unless that name's Brendahlandische... though I'm willing to be Ardellian."  There was a brief pause before he added, more seriously, "Well cousin, I am glad you made it here, truly.  You are welcome to stay in Mitteland as long as you want, though no doubt your Parliament will want you at the Grendell."
[/quote]

"Favian actually...." He trailed off as the prince continued on. 


[quote=@Dyelli Beybi]
"MY parliament?" Zoe raised an eyebrow, a look of alarm crossing her face.

"Well... yes," Max chuckled, "Oh don't tell me you haven't figured it out!  You're the Princess-Regent."

Zoe gave an exaggerated groan, dropping back on the sofa, "Me?" she groaned again, staring up at the ceiling, "Out of interest though... does that mean that that airship out there belongs to me?"

"To the Inburian crown," Max countered, "Which happens to be yours, at least temporarily.  You really didn't pay much attention to your tutors did you?"

She nodded, deciding not to answer the question and instead glancing across at Aden, a slight smirk forming, "Well that's good to know."[/quote]

Aden met her glance with one of his own. A hint of uncertainty as he took in the smirk but not out of concern. Rather one of what Zoe was planning to do with an airship that she now had an official claim to. 

A plan that Aden had pledged himself to serve. One day he would learn to stop volunteering. 

"To the airship your Highness?"