[$] Long Live the King

[Tprinces]

Rather than being stalled, Graspare finished off his wine, setting the empty goblet aside to be refilled. "If I may, your Majesty," he began, "my sailors are some of the most loyal on these fine seas."

Tich sniffed haughtily. "And what basis do you have for this claim?" he asked, his eyes tepid. "These sailors are outlaws. Forgive me if loyalty is not my first thought in reference to them."

That had Graspare laughing. It was a low, even chuckle. Like melting dark chocolate. "You are a funny little man, aren't you?" Tich floundered, but said nothing. "To answer your question-" He turned to Korbin. "-I will ask you one of your own. How do you control your kingdom? Laws, yes? You govern. Set standards. And if those standards are not met, there will be punishment.

"I'm a king myself, of sorts. At least, that's the name I've been given." He sawed off a bit of beast from his silver plate, eating it delicately. "My kingdom is not an island or a farmland or a mountain. It moves with the winds and the sea spray, yet I rule as well as any man. My sailors know my laws. They obey them. In return, they are rewarded with coin and security and status. If they do not... well..." A wicked smile curled along his lips. "Let's just say my justice system is far more swift."  

[RosesandBlood]

Korbin was actually was impressed with the pirate, he countered Tich so smoothly. He smiled impishly at the laugh but he didn't want to be rude so he covered it with a drink of his own wine. That laugh was...delicious. Blinking he stopped sipping and flushed a bit at the thought.

"Ah, that's true," he replied. Their laws and rules were very important to keeping all their people in line. Korbin had no idea that pirates kept any such rules. From what he'd heard they were supposed to be lawless. If anything he wanted to ask more but his uncle and Tich would probably give him looks about it. His childish curiosity was a bad habit he'd yet to break. When his father was alive he was allowed to do so...

His face fell at his own thoughts and he looked off passed all the happier people. He really had to stop doing this to himself because he had more important things to think about and do. Brushing his brunette hair back and sighed. Forcing a calm look he tried to enter back into the conversation as if he hadn't left it.

"So then, what else will you and your crew need while you stay here? I assume my Uncle has already spoken about payment for your services, but is there anything you'll be needing while you stay here. I'd hate to think we put you out..." Korbin offered kindly. "Though I offer I'd like you to think carefully before demanding too much... The kingdom is strained somewhat as it is. But we will all try and make your stay... more than tolerable." Because the last thing he needed was greedy pirates.

Although Graspare seemed on the honorable side. Handsome too.  

[Tprinces]

Graspare shrugged. "I don't need much. Neither do my sailors. Food, drink, perhaps a little company." Was that a trick of the light, or had the captain's eyes flashed curiously in Korbin's direction. "Trust me, we are the least demanding pirates you have ever had the misfortune to know."

"That remains to be seen," Tich mumbled.

"We make our own entertainment," Graspare continued. "Perhaps his Majesty would like a tutor in such matters?"

Vladimir was the next to speak. "Perhaps when we are not facing a war."

But Graspare was not discouraged. "My good man," he said smoothly. "War is the greatest time to make merry. Who's to say you'll have another chance?"

The dinner lasted an hour after that, Graspare proving to be a curious man by leaps and bounds. He told stories of the sea, of captures and lootings. Things that poor Master Tich nearly had a heart attack over. Eventually, the dinner ended and Graspare was to be escorted to his room.

"Would not the king like to accompany me?" Graspare asked. "After all, we will be close neighbors for some time."

"I'm afraid His Majesty has business to attend to," Vladimir said. "You'll forgive me for stealing my nephew for a few hours. Relax until then."

"I never forgive, Your Grace." He turned to Korbin. "Do not hesitate to call, should you need me."  

[RosesandBlood]

Graspare's interest in Koribin, Tich may have not noticed but Vladamir certainly did not. Korbin himself was too distracted to assume anything himself. But he was certainly relieved that they wouldn't break the bank so to speak just keeping the pirates here. Which made it much more pleasurable since without that worry the young king could enjoy the stories.

The pirate captain had the young man enraptured with his tall tales. He was leaned forward, eyes wide, and mouth parted in wonder. Like a siren and her sailor Korbin was so wrapped up he barely ate his food and when they were over he was aglow. The young king's cheeks were flush with excitement and his eyes fairly sparkled with a mischievous glint of their own. He looked like any young lad ready for an adventure.

Yet his uncle crushed that with only a few words and the beautiful fiction Graspare made was shattered. "Ah," but he quickly bit his tongue before saying he'd much rather stay with the pirate. His uncle was right, business came first. Still he looked back at the man with hope. "Then if you'd like to inspect my room before I sleep so you can get a feel for the space. I expect that it would be good to know should I have to call in the middle of the night." With a parting good night he left with his uncle to see what this 'business' was.

Korbin decided just to speak with the man in his chambers since it was his uncle and all. Besides it was getting late and he needed to sleep, he was tired and all that excitement at dinner was bound to keep him up if he didn't calm himself.

"So, what is it you needed me for Unlce Vladimir?" He asked rather bluntly.  

[RosesandBlood]

Tprinces

((Hime-sama?))