[ Nikolai smiles, but it's not the smile he's worn during most of his interactions with Anahid. It's sharp, not quite as soft in its curve. This is King Nikolai. Nikolai Nothing, as Vasily would say. ]
We're having a word now. And anything we speak of, we can speak in front of our guest. I wouldn't wish to be rude.
[ He wrinkles his nose slightly, but Nikolai stares at Radomir for a moment before he shakes his head and feigns boyish ignorance. Best not to give him too much of an opportunity to plead a decent case for privacy. Nikolai is nothing if not an energetic, talkative tornado; he embraces that characterisation of himself now. ]
Forgive me, since I haven't come to the library as often as I'd like. But our library is open to the public, isn't it?
[ Radomir, for all of his experience in politics, isn't quite skilled in softening his expression. He's so used to sitting behind a king and king-to-be who would shield him from such embarrassments. Nikolai imagines this could have repercussions for him later down the line, but Radomir is a man with some sway over a few of the nobles and other high positioned staff. Nikolai's a Lantsov, and a likeable one at that. ]
It is.
That means it's open to Ravkans, Kerch, and Suli alike, doesn't it?
[ Radomir's smile is as sharp as one of Tolya's blades. His eyes dart toward Anahid, but ever so quickly. Nikolai would've missed it if he blinked. ]
It is.
Oh, good. [ Nikolai smiles widely then, but it still isn't the casual, easy bright smile he's worn today. He almost bounces on the balls of his feet. ] Then that means Anahid and her friend are welcome into the library at any time. I was a bit concerned, since I had heard otherwise.
[ Radomir glances at Anahid before he looks back at Nikolai. The tension still lines his mouth and shoulders, his jaw works hard like he's trying to break all his teeth. ]
You are correct.
Excellent. [ He turns briefly to Anahid before facing Radomir again. ] I'm glad they'll be able to enjoy the library. You'll make sure they're taken care of, won't you? They're very esteemed guests.
[ He knows he's pushing it. Perhaps he could've taken a better approach, maybe left Anahid out of it all… but it feels good to embarrass someone like Radomir, who used to speak down to him when he was a lanky boy who wouldn't stop growing and sneaking into the library to get lost in a life more wonderful than his.
But he's the fucking king, and he can do as he likes. ]
no subject
We're having a word now. And anything we speak of, we can speak in front of our guest. I wouldn't wish to be rude.
[ He wrinkles his nose slightly, but Nikolai stares at Radomir for a moment before he shakes his head and feigns boyish ignorance. Best not to give him too much of an opportunity to plead a decent case for privacy. Nikolai is nothing if not an energetic, talkative tornado; he embraces that characterisation of himself now. ]
Forgive me, since I haven't come to the library as often as I'd like. But our library is open to the public, isn't it?
[ Radomir, for all of his experience in politics, isn't quite skilled in softening his expression. He's so used to sitting behind a king and king-to-be who would shield him from such embarrassments. Nikolai imagines this could have repercussions for him later down the line, but Radomir is a man with some sway over a few of the nobles and other high positioned staff. Nikolai's a Lantsov, and a likeable one at that. ]
It is.
That means it's open to Ravkans, Kerch, and Suli alike, doesn't it?
[ Radomir's smile is as sharp as one of Tolya's blades. His eyes dart toward Anahid, but ever so quickly. Nikolai would've missed it if he blinked. ]
It is.
Oh, good. [ Nikolai smiles widely then, but it still isn't the casual, easy bright smile he's worn today. He almost bounces on the balls of his feet. ] Then that means Anahid and her friend are welcome into the library at any time. I was a bit concerned, since I had heard otherwise.
[ Radomir glances at Anahid before he looks back at Nikolai. The tension still lines his mouth and shoulders, his jaw works hard like he's trying to break all his teeth. ]
You are correct.
Excellent. [ He turns briefly to Anahid before facing Radomir again. ] I'm glad they'll be able to enjoy the library. You'll make sure they're taken care of, won't you? They're very esteemed guests.
[ He knows he's pushing it. Perhaps he could've taken a better approach, maybe left Anahid out of it all… but it feels good to embarrass someone like Radomir, who used to speak down to him when he was a lanky boy who wouldn't stop growing and sneaking into the library to get lost in a life more wonderful than his.
But he's the fucking king, and he can do as he likes. ]