"I wouldn't just yet," Max replied before Zoe had a chance to, "We've got people unloading the gold on behalf of your Government - transferring it to a Mittelandische vault where its a bit safer.  They'll all be under foot at this point."

"Why don't we bring everyone up here instead," Zoe suggested, looking progressively more embarrassed as she spoke, "Then we can explain the errr... 'little surprise' I've sprung on everyone."

"Dressing up and pretending to be nobody in particular?" Max gave a chuckle, "Thought that was the Hasikos family's favourite sport?"  He left the question as rhetorical though, not waiting for a reply, "I'll have my man get messages delivered to your merry band of scallywags.  I must get going to supervise this gold transfer... but it has been a joy to see you cousin.  And I mean that both as Max and as the Crown Prince.  Come for dinner at the [i]Schloss Eisenwald[/i] tonight.  Just something casual... 8pm... oh yes, and I'll assign some of my Guard to your person."

"I will be there," Zoe confirmed, "Provided the guards let them in."

"I'll tell them to be on the lookout for a mad woman claiming to be Royalty," Max assured her, "Your Highness... I will see you this evening."

"Your Highness," Zoe rose as he left, though the moment Max was gone, she dropped back onto the couch with an exaggerated groan, "That is [i][b]not[/b][/i] going to be casual.  What he means by that is only six courses.  I do not fancy telling everyone else from the ship.  I was quite liking my life there.  I expect some of them will get a bit weird," she subjected Aden to a thoughtful study, lips pursed, "I hope you won't."