"You wish to speak to me after this meeting has ended?" Leonardo gave a soft nod. Well, in truth, he merely said it because it was the most polite way to end the conversation. If he just said, 'Excuse me, but I must go.' It would have been a little... well, rude, and he was many things, but he did not consider himself to be rude. "If I were an paranoid woman, I would think you ask because you wish to kill me in an alley. If I was a love, I would think this is a declaration of affection. I am unsure how to read this, but I agree that we may meet again, and hopefully not on the battle field."
Leonardo raised an eyebrow at her over-evaluation of his simple desire to end the conversation. Kill her? Well, perhaps. He still believed she wished him dead as no matter how hard she try to preach peace and understanding, he had slain her father. He simply could not fathom Malinha not wishing for his death. Declaration of affection? No. Leonardo would never do something so bold or crass. She was the enemy, at the moment, and the daughter of a man he had killed. There would never be anything like that between them, well, and he had just met her and while yes, he would admit that both Malinha and Oriana were both very beautiful women; he was not that kind of man.
A Prince had to be above such things... Or at least, that is what he told himself. One conversation was not nearly enough to develop such strong feelings besides interest in the person behind the mask she skillfully portrayed. Leonardo had a mask of his own, and while he couldn't see through hers; he felt it was there. Her smile was always polite, but her eyes always danced with with mischief or amusement.
"I believe that it is almost time for the meeting to start again. See you later, Leonardo." See you later. An odd phrase. Not one used by the more posh nobility of Metargo that Leonardo was used to rubbing shoulders with. It was a commons phrase, one he heard soldiers use from time to time, but that was to be expected given her culture. More then that, the wink. While the wink was indeed, alluring, it raised Leonardo's caution of her. Malinha was a cunning woman which was different from an intelligent woman. A cunning woman was one that had to be watched, and a man had to be careful around such a woman before they find themselves caught in their web. Perhaps if he had not slain her father and was not a Prince; it would almost be worth getting caught in that web.
So lost in his thoughts over Malinha's actions he failed to notice Oriana until she spoke to him, "It seems the people of Mysticaran are quite flirtatious... Though judging by Malinha I think your hallway date went better then mine... In fact I'm pretty sure I just broke some poor elfs heart... Either that or he's highly embarrassed by his declaration...But she is right I believe the meeting will be re-commencing shortly... We should both get back in there... Or your father might actually have a heart attack... Though if it ended the meeting faster I'd not complain."
Leonardo smiled at her for more reasons then simply that he was glad to see her after such an... odd and dangerous conversation. Quite flirtatious? No, Leonardo could not shake that she had done that on purpose. He wasn't sure why, perhaps it was to enjoy a small measure of revenge? Perhaps she was willing to offer up her body to gain peace? Or perhaps it was simply a diplomatic weapon that only women had. Either way, he couldn't believe it was simple flirting, not given their history.
Hallway date? Leonardo shook his head softly at that; it was anything but. Broke some poor elf's heart? It was wrong, and he had no right to, but Leonardo was both amused and glad he had his heart broken. He found Oriana both interesting and beautiful, and in another life; he would have tried to court her, well, he would probably have tried to court Malinha too, but that wasn't the point. It felt good to know the elf failed that Oriana was still available. Granted, he could never attempt anything, but it was pleasing to know that.
His father having a heart attack? She remembered. Leonardo couldn't help the small chuckle that left his lips at the thought. Oh, may the Gods above have mercy upon Metargo if the 'brave' and 'perfect' King Saul were to have a heart attack due to the actions of the dreaded Red Prince.... A monster prince indeed.
"It's like trying to be civil with a bunch of hormonal baboons..." The way she ran her hand through her hair was almost adorable. It was a different, Leonardo noted between Oriana and Malinha. With Oriana he felt relaxed and at ease as if he could let down his guard for once. With Malinha it was as if he was fighting a battle, one he did not understand against an opponent that was far more deadly then they appeared. Women were frightful creatures.
But yes, he agreed. Hormonal baboons; Leonardo would have to remember that one. He wanted to speak more, but understood the situation well enough to know better. They didn't have time for such things. Not now, and probably, not ever. Leonardo followed her into the hall, and gave her a small nod goodbye, but as she was in front of him; he doubted she saw it. Leonardo moved to his families place, and sat once more in his spot which would be once again on his mother's left.