Adam looked up, alarmed at how Alessandra spoke too boldly in front of her brother. [color=aquamarine]"Alessandra..."[/color] he started to warn her. 

But Adrian didn't react the way his younger brother expected him to. He, instead, met his handmaiden's gaze and held it. [color=00aeef]"Unfortunately, my life is not a romantic story as I’m sure you are accustomed to reading in fairy tales. I do not spend my time gallivanting around looking for princesses to save and whisk away on my horse. My reality is to form connections advantageous to the betterment of this kingdom and its people. I would need to form alliances to avoid war or use it to fortify ourselves against war. If I were to turn my back on the responsibilities that I find resting on my shoulders and choose love, where would that leave Whitehaven?"[/color] he paused and looked thoughtful. [color=00aeef]"Perhaps if I were to fall in love with Bareahard's princess or Connelly's Duchess, then that would be good and well. But in the end, what real difference does it make? It doesn't assure me of love in return. Besides, I believe the princess and the duchess both have a worse attitude than I do.”[/color]

Adam almost blew out the food he was chewing at his older brother’s side comment. He dabbed a napkin to his mouth and nodded. He took a second to swallow before he spoke, choking back the laughter a bit.
[color=aquamarine]”Yes, I would have to agree with that,”[/color] he said. [color=aquamarine]”I am not, however, saying that you are a horrible person,”[/color] he added, a twinkle of amusement evident in his eyes.

Adrian narrowed his eyes at him. [color=00aeef]”Too late, you already said it,"[/color] he bantered back. And then he turned back to Alessandra, a little of the condescending tone he always had creeping back into his voice as he continued speaking. [color=00aeef]”If I were to fall in love with a commoner…Let me put it this way. If I were to fall in love with you, what benefit would my marriage to you give the kingdom? I believe the other kingdoms would not take it lightly that I chose a commoner to take for my wife than one of the nobility’s daughter. That, in itself, would be enough to incite war. I suppose I would need to abdicate the throne,”[/color] he turned to Adam as he said the last words carefully.

Adam waved his fork carelessly as he chewed, his eyes at the chunk of meat still on his plate. [color=aquamarine]”What? You’ll have me put on the throne?”[/color] he asked. [color=aquamarine]”I do not believe that is the road for me to follow.”[/color]