Relos Zaiphar
“Perhaps you princes can get better acquainted with each other during the rest of the day. I have heard, Relos and Viktor, that both you are accomplished swordsmen, perhaps you can spar while Markus keeps things fair.”
Relos rolled his eyes at the visably shaken emperor, knowing full and well that he was just using this as an excuse to avoid talking about Markus's resolution. Still, he could not help but be interested in the idea of testing his skills against another prince, hopefully one who was as good at his art as Relos was. Even though the emperor used the word 'spar' in that sentence, Relos couldn't help but replace it with 'competition' in his own mind, and no matter what the circumstances, Relos would never turn down a competition.
Even though Relos would like very much to force the emperor into an uncomfortable talk about the slave trade, his competitiveness won. Rising from his relaxed position, he sat up in his chair and turned to stare at Viktor. It was hard to believe that someone who looked so tired and bored could be as good a swordsman as Relos, but he wouldn't underestimate the prince yet. It was always the quiet ones that surprised you the most...
"Well, I hate to say, you've got me interested. What do you say friend, a quick match for entertainment? I'm sure we could all use a bit of excitement now."
Viktor Venetius
Viktor's eyebrows shot up in a rare expression of thought on his otherwise blank face. It wasn't only the fact that the Emperor saw fit to call Viktor and the other princes by their first name (something of a taboo at formal meetings in Reitír). The Emperor's ruse did not fool Viktor, nor anyone present; he clearly didn't like the resolution put before him, and wished to distract those present from discussing it. Scum, Viktor thought spitefully, his red eyes turning to glare at the overweight buffoon. Vincent Venetius had raised his son to hold in contempt above all those who did not sacrifice for their people, who held themselves in higher regard than those they were charged to protect and nourish, who in fact benefited from the pain and suffering of their own people--in other words, exactly this emperor of Shigan.
He turned his eyes back to Relos as the prince of Zaiphar, the one with the flaming red hair (whose name, Viktor recalled, was Ronald...or something like that...) stood and strode up to where Viktor still sat, his half-closed crimson eyes almost lazily looking up at the prince of Zaiphar. The look in Relos' eyes suggested he wasn't the type to simply give up on a challenge such as this, and indeed Viktor had heard the prince of Zaiphar to be a highly proficient master of the sword. Perhaps he will provide a challenge...this may prove momentarily entertaining... Viktor stood as well, his eyes remaining on the eyes of the red-haired prince opposite of him. "Very well," he stated, and left it at that. In his mind, however, he immediately began to size his opponent up, matching himself against Relos and calculating their physical advantages. Height and size advantage, myself...but his build is more suited for agility and speed...
Relos Zaiphar
Relos didn't need Viktor to voice his approval, he could see it in the way he suddenly looked at him, sizing him up. Already, both princes took on a determined look, both knowing that this "friendly match" was going to be taken quite seriously. Markus, however, didn't seem to interested. The insomniatic prince stood up from his chair and gathered his things. He head towards the door that he entered through, waving at the other princes. "I'm not interested in watching you two hit each other until one of you yields. I'll be in my chambers, if anyone needs me."
Relos stared after the prince for a few minutes, finding it disturbing that someone existed who didn't like watching two princes beat each other. "Oh well, suit yourself. That just leaves me and you, big boy. Let's find us a spot outside where we can cut loose, then we'll see what you've got." With a cocky grin and wink to the more serious-looking prince, Relos headed towards another door, hoping to find some exit out into a courtyard. Any open space would do, really, it just had to be large enough that Relos could use his agility to its full potential.
As he exited the door, Relos used one hand to beckon his opponent. Anyone could tell the energetic prince was excited, and who could really blame him? A swordfight was the last thing he thought he'd get to do today.