Dancing on Strings

Undertones

"You have to be introduced to everyone."

"Oh hell, don't," Kazimir said, "I'm happy without knowing anyone."

"Well, you have to at least greet The King. You knew these people in childhood, it's only right. At least say hello to Daphne. She is... well I mean... Kazimir listen..."

Kazimir looked at his brother, expression bored.

"Don't get mad, I proposed to Daphne," Dalton said.

Kazimir looked blankly at him for a moment, the news clearly not fazing him – he didn't seem to rightly care.

Then he blinked.

"You what?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

"I proposed to Daphne," Dalton repeated.

Kazimir continued to look at him for a moment, then his eyes widened.

"You proposed? What? When?!"

"The night I arrived," Dalton shot out, "I panicked. The King wanted to know what kind of king I would make myself and I stated I would be a bold one and it was the boldest thing I could think to do at that moment."

"So you went through with it?!" Kazimir cried, rounding on him. "What happened to needing my support? The only reason I dragged myself up here was to see you through the proposal. Tides forbid I actually wanted to see it."

"It wasn't very dramatic. You'll attend the wedding though, won't you?"

"Oh I don't know, will you change the date of that on me as well?"

"I didn't think you cared so much."

"It's not totally beyond me."

"Well now, let's be honest, that's debatable."

"Don't push your luck, Your Highness."

"How's Cole, by the way?"

"How should I know? He ran off to the tropics the second the weather turned cold. I'm sure he's in a tavern somewhere with a barmaid on his lap as we speak."

"Ah, that's why you're so grumpy."

Kazimir practically started growling at his twin when The King cut in.

"Kazimir?"

Kazimir looked up and his expression smoothed out again as Antoine walked towards them, staring.

"You are Kazimir, correct? Son of Icadora?"

"Yes, it has been a long time, Sire," Kazimir said, bowing low.

"My goodness, look at you," Antoine said, gaping, looking him up and down, "You've grown so much! I still remember you when you only reached my hip! I always said you'd be tall. How are you?"

"Well, thank you, Sire. I'm honoured you remember me."

"I remember," Antoine said, smiling, "You stood out as a child. But to think, Dalton's long lost brother, after all this time."

He hand gently closed on Kazimir's arm, Kazimir glancing at it before looking at The King.

"Tell me something, are you growing close with your twin?" Antoine asked, his voice low.

Mai, stood just behind Kazimir, glanced between them, then to Dalton – momentarily distracted by Daphne. Kazimir looked his way as well.

"Unexpectedly so, Sire," he replied.

"Good, look after him then."

"Sire?" Kazimir said, looking at him in surprise.

Antoine smiled. "My future son-in-law has lived a cruel life," he said, pulling Kazimir close so he could lower his voice still further. "His kingdom does not yet stand behind him, loyal to the end. I do not wish to see his court take advantage of him while he is still finding his feet. If I remember correctly, you had a personality that would not stand for anything that displeased you and were very good at making your displeasure known. I trust that side of you has not faded."