Adrian was lost in his thoughts as his fingers moved adeptly on the piano keys, the melody he produced both melancholy and sweet. A recent conversation he had with Adam played in his head.
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[i][color=00aeef]"What do you mean?"[/color][/i]

[i][color=aquamarine]"Speak to them as you would speak to me,"[/color] Adam said. [color=aquamarine]"You are polite and well mannered when speaking to our subjects, I give you that. But there's that tone you use that puts them off. You know, that tone that says I'm a king and you are all below me."[/color][/i]

[i][color=00aeef]"Speak to them as I speak to you? They are peasants. You are my brother,"[/color] Adam retorted arrogantly.[/i]

[i][color=aquamarine]"That's it. There. That tone. Exactly,"[/color] Adam wagged a finger at the older prince. [color=aquamarine]"You can't expect the people to bow to a king who thinks their lives are inconsequential as a bug's,"[/color] he chuckled. [color=aquamarine]"And bugs aren't even inconsequential at all. Each has its own purpose for being in this world,"[/color] he shook his head. [color=aquamarine]"I've even heard people in the villages speak about how I will be a better king."[/color][/i]

[i]Adrian frowned. [color=00aeef]"Then maybe you should be king,"[/color] he stood up, annoyance evident in the way he paced the floor.[/i]

[i][color=aquamarine]"You are our father's first born and rightful heir to the throne,[/color] Adam answered smoothly.[/i]

[i]Adrian stopped and turned his hazel eyes to the younger prince. [color=00aeef]"I think the question here would be... Do you want the be king, brother?"[/color][/i]

[i]Adam stayed silent and merely shook his head before he turned back to the book he was reading.[/i]

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He was so distracted that he didn't notice Alessandra walk in and only noticed her when she spoke. Whether it was because he was too distracted or he didn't recognize Alessandra in her new outfit was not evident. He looked towards her and smiled as the last note faded into silence. [color=00aeef]"Yes, thank you. I will be there shortly."[/color]

Adrian walked into the large dining hall a few minutes later. He raised an eyebrow when he found only Adam there. [color=00aeef]"Where are father and mother? I thought this is to be a family dinner?"[/color]

Adam looked up ang gave his brother an easy smile. [color=aquamarine]"You have been too busy with your music that you just missed them. An important matter has come to their attention.[/color] He looked towards Alessandra who had entered the dining hall after the crown prince. [color=aquamarine]"You look lovely, Alessandra,"[/color] he praised.

It was only then that Adrian actually noticed his handmaiden. He turned towards her and openly studied her. There was nothing hostile about the way he looked at her and his eyes even hinted a bit of admiration at how she looked. He said nothing as he sat across Adam.

[color=aquamarine]"I heard talks about an arranged marriage,"[/color] Adam stated as the older prince sat down.

[color=00aeef]"Mine? I am not surprised. I do not expect to marry for love. My marriage would be for mutual gain and nothing else. A way to strengthen our kingdom and the kingdom of my future queen. I suspect father has already made arrangements with Bareahard...or perhaps Connelly,"[/color] Adrian said as he began eating.