When the guards allow Sohai through, he would find The First Prince sitting by the fireplace. A stack of papers in his lap give a hinting indication of what sort of reports he reads through each day. His intense blue eyes continue to read the report ahead until he is down to the last line of the page. Theowyn sets the papers to the side, and stands. "Lt. Commander. You wished to speak?" he asks quietly, oddly subdued considering Theowyn's usual state of existance. "Please, have a seat, if you wish."

Sohai bows respectfully. Since the attack made on Elyse's life, and their private conversation, the Lt. Commander has expressed slightly higher regard for the Prince, if it can be stated that the stoic Borderlander can express anything at all. He remains standing, and not quite at attention, but not quite at ease, either. He produces a key, holding it up before him and towards the Prince, "As instructed, Your Highness, the secret passageway has locks in place. One for your side of the passage, and another for Princess Elyse's side. This is the only key to your side. I hold the only key to the Princess' side. Would you care to try it out, Your Highness?"

"That will not be necessary. I trust the matter resolved," Theowyn responds in his smooth tone, untucking his shirt enough to settle it into place. He does step forward to collect the key. "I had thought closing the passageway completely, but there is little benefit in doing so, and perhaps an opportunity for an escape route if required. At least there were no other rooms linked."

Sohai nods, inclining his head a bit. Thinking he means an escape for him, not the Princess, Sohai says, "Perhaps Your Highness would like to arrange a signal to alert me when it is you attempting to come through the secret passageway, and not an intruder? A sequence of knocks, perhaps?" He implies that the only need would be when Theowyn had no other recourse but to come through the secret passageway, but doesn't state that outright--so perhaps he wouldn't be opposed to allowing Elyse to receive a social call from her beau after hours--with his presence, of course.

The Prince shows a brief show of amusement, his eyes shifting away from Sohai to hide that hint of his next words. "Lt. Commander, I would not endanger the Princess by using the passageway as an escape route for myself. You will find my death her before I risk her life in such a matter." That's not the amusing part, the next would be certainly. "Though with my hours of keeping as First Prince and Captain-General of the Queen's Guard, late-night social calls might spread for unwarranted rumor if notice. The passageway does provide apportunity for the Princess and myself to meet without a misperception being formed." Theowyn does look to Sohai after that, pondering the man's reaction.

Sohai seems an eternity before responding. His keen mind is quick in matters of combat or military strategy, but outside of what was outlined to him in the letter by the King, he is uncertain of matters of courtship--he himself never courting either, to use personal experience to draw from. So, he takes his sweet time pondering the information on Courtship that the King sent him, and the circumstances of the situation at hand, before finally responding. His tact is not the greatest, and he puts it in a way that makes it clear the Prince needed a mere Kandori Officer Soldier's permission for this, "That would be acceptable, I think, Your Highness. Though it would do well to give some indication of your intensions to call upon Her Highness so that she may make ready and be suitably attired."

"I will send message to that affect, the simplest matter of dealing with protocol." Theowyn shifts his weight as to where he stands, and manages a slight look of reassurance. There is some strain to hold back that disappointment over this matter of suitable attire. Most of the fun was with the less then suitable attire, but having them safely clothed might be the more prudent action, and he realizes that. "I should inform you, that the man that was captured swears that his entrance into the bedchambers was to rob Kandori jewels. Though little can be trusted of the man, I'm afraid. He will be charged appropriately." Theowyn shrugs his shoulder, taking a deep breath. "I do fear I miss the Princess this evening. It already runs late. Is it not horrible, Lt. Commander, for a man of my position to yearn the company of the woman that he loves? Once duty is complete for the day, it is near natural within me."

Sohai nods once, filing the report of the brigand's arrest and trial away. But he betrays nothing further in his countenance as he replies, "I am but an officer charged with the Princess Elyse's protection in all matters, Your Highness. I am no man to judge any man, let alone The First Prince of the Sword, on matters of the heart." That doesn't stop him from increasing or decreasing his estimation of the Prince in his eyes depending on Theowyn's behaviour towards the Princess, but its what he states, at least. Then he bows, "By your leave, Your Highness. Shall I return to Her Highness and inform her of your impending arrival?"

Theowyn seems pleased with the first of Sohai's words, perhaps making Theowyn's point all the clearer. "That would be appreciated. Thank-you Lt. Commander," Theowyn agrees with the nod of his head.

Sohai bows and turns to depart.

Princess Kamikatsu's Bedchamber(#3629RJL)

At the moment of the Prince's arrival through the wardrobe, he'd first likely notice Sohai, who allows the Prince's entry personally. Then perhaps notice the Princess, who shands at the end of the bed, her hand resting on the bedpost and her attention on the sound of Theowyn's entrance from the wardrobe. She is still dressed, apprpriately. She smiles warmly, "My Prince?"

The First Prince moves his way through the passageway and into the chambers. "My lovely Princess." Perhaps in torture for the 'good' job Sohai has been doing, Theowyn does intend on making the man nervous with their courting. He brushes off some dust from his cloak before heading toward Elyse. "Thank-you for seeing me on such short notice. All is well Princess?" As he asks the question, she could begin the feel the light brushing against her cheek.

Elyse closes her eyes, pressing her cheek more against his hand, "Yes," she murmurs, reaching for him with the hand that does not rest on the bedpost, "Though I do wish you would tell my guardsmen that doubling my guards isn't necessary? They don't seem to believe me," her smile is teasing, and even a bit alluring. Sohai, merely watches with that same stoney-faced expression.

"Priness, I am pleased you are well protected." The slight smile on his features tells on the tone of his voice, the hand still upcing and caressing her cheek. Leaning forward, he begins a slight kiss that is meant ot be one of good evening, though it becomes deeper with each pass of his lips. When released, the smile is deeper, his eyes more telling of his passions. "Best to keep you safe, my love. Are you comfortable with our arrangement in having the keys that open our doors?"

Elyse gives a blissfuly sigh as the pleasant kiss terminates, and nods, still with her cheek in your hand. "Yes." There is an edge to her tone, however. There is more she might have said, but she knows that Sohai is still there, even as quiet as he is. "I have yet had an opportunity to relate the events of that night to you, my Love . . . I should, perhaps do so. Gherta tells me that he has been charged and remains in the dungeons?" She blinks and turns her attention to the doors as a knock comes.

"Indeed. I ask man in charge of the investigation to leave any questioning of the events to me," Theowyn spekas, his voice showing the warmth that his eyes are reflecting. He goes on, even with the knock on the door. "That would be best at your convenience Princess." He turns toward the door, looking to Sohai before nodding slightly. His hand slips off your cheek, but not before he offers a near hug in the slight touch of their bodies. "Visitors?" he finally questions, taking a slight step back for a more appropriate distance.

Elyse returns the hug gently as Sohai goes to the door. Then steps back an appropriate distance, as well. Sohai murmurs softly to the guardsmen outside and then steps back, addressing the couple. "Lord Nolan Iritande and his manservant requests an audience with you, Your Highness. Shall I admit them? They claim some significant information regarding the recent attack." Elyse quirks an eeybrow up, but smiles warmly, "Ah, yet another protector with impeccable service, and self-sacrifice. Yes, its quite alright. Do admit them." There seems to be wry amusement in her features, and she lowers herself to be seated on her bed. Might as well get comfortable. Perhaps its odd that she didn't meet with him outside her bedchambers.

Theowyn leans against the bed-post as his eyebrow raises. 'Indeed,' he agrees with a wry amusement, eyes settling on Elyse. A wanting sigh escapes his lips, one that is hopefully too quiet to be caught by Sohai. Theowyn does lean over to her, using his hand to cover his words as he whispers quietly. He mutters to Elyse, "... enjoy our meetings... observant... my... the... if... possession... it... now,... one... try." Theowyn's voice is slightly teasing.

Elyse senses "Theowyn leans against the bed-post as his eyebrow raises. 'Indeed,' he agrees with a wry amusement, eyes settling on Elyse. A wanting sigh escapes his lips, one that is hopefully too quiet to be caught by Sohai. Theowyn does lean over to her, using his hand to cover his words as he whispers quietly. "I did enjoy our meetings with less observant eyes and less interruptions. I will leave my side of the passageway open if you can seek the possession of the key. Perhaps it is but a fantasy now, though one must try." Theowyn's voice is slightly teasing."

Nolan has arrived.

Sinclair has arrived.

Sinclair arrives with Nolan.

Nolan is shown into the bedchamber and both men bow to the Royal couple, Sinclair's noticably deeper than his Lord's. After they straighten, Sinclair smiles and speaks, "Light Bless you both, Princess Elyse, Prince Theowyn."

Elyse smiles, even blushes at some comment Theowyn murmrus to her in her ear. She remains seated on the edge of her bed, one hand resting on the bedpost. Her attention seems tilted in the direction of the doors as Nolan and Sinclair enter. And schooling her features to more appropriate cordiality, Elyse states, "Peace favour your swords, Lord Nolan, Master Sinclair. I fear I haven't had an opportunity to thank you for your assistance the other evening, Lord Nolan. I thank thee. Kandor thanks thee." Her smile is warm and genuine.

"Indeed, thank-you Lord Nolan," Theowyn bows his head almost informally. Informal isn't bad, considering they are within the bedchambers of a Princess. "I will take my leave if this important matter requires privacy," Theowyn offers all too smoothly.

Elyse reaches her hand out, towards Theowyn's voice, "No . . " she requests softly, "Please stay, my Prince. I'm sure what Lord Nolan has to state can be said with you present." She smiles demurely, "Afterall, every man within this room right now has some interest in my safety, do you not?"

"I simply do not wish to over-step my bounds," Theowyn responds, his hand finding her own that reaches for him. As he clasps her hand, and lets it settle to his side, he nods to Nolan.

Nolan smiles sincerely bows more deeply as Elyse and Theowyn thank him. A pity that he cannot voice his sentiments to the Princess. Sinclair does look questioningly to Nolan at Theowyn's offer, but Nolan merely shakes his head. The servant nods and continues, "Your gratitude moves my Lord immensely, Your Highnesses. As for the information, my Lord has done some independent investigation concerning the incident a few nights past. From what he has been able to ascertain, those two men had no affiliation with the attempted assassination of Princess Tashana in Mayene."

Elyse lets out a relieved sigh, then tilts her head a bit, "That is good to hear . . . isn't it?" Not quite certain what that could mean, "The man who grabbed me first seemed to have been waiting for me though. I think." She furrows her brow in thought. This is the first time she's discussed it since it happened.

"You were both at the door out into my chambers when I arriaved," Theowyn confirms at least the location. "So unless he pulled you you toward the entrance, that is where he was waiting?" The tone suggests the question, his hand slowly squeezing hers before decides its best to release. Theowyn tries to maintain his attention on Nolan while Sinclair speaks the words, but he founds himself moving his gaze between them both.

Both men stand quietly, listening to the Prince and Princess. Nolan rubs his chin thoughtfully as he listens. An interesting mystery indeed.

Elyse bites her lower lip, thinking. She lifts a hand to rub her head, "It all seems like a dream now . . . surreal . . . " she pauses, letting out a contemplative sigh, "Yes, I thought I heard more rats as I entered . . . " she blushes suddenly and manages a feeble, "I had wanted another dance lesson, you see," Sohai reveals nothing on his features at the apparent admission that the Princess had traveled through there voluntarily, and seemingly more than once, but his gaze shifts once between the Prince and the Princess. "It wasn't until I was closer that I hear breathing," Elyse continues uncertainly, "I . . I thought it was you, my Prince . . but you wouldn't answer when I asked if you were there. I thought you were playing a game with me." By her tone, it seems it was a game she didn't enjoy. "That's when he grabbed me, put the blade to my throat," her hand moves to her slender neck.

With a smooth motion, Theowyn's hand moves over Elyse's and the curve of her slender neck as he offers a reassuring hold. "A game using the advantage of your blindness is indeed not one that I would play." He takes a deep breath as his hand slides away from her and finds the curves of Elyse's shoulders. "But why was he waiting at the door to my chambers. Did he wish to force you out of the path and into my room, or was he hint more toward yours?"

Nolan continues to listen quietly, trying to get as much information about the actual incident as he can.

Elyse shakes her head, her hand moving with Theowyn's from her throat to her shoulder, and offering a small squeeze. She should have known Theowyn would not be so cruel as to tease her inability to see. "I do not know, my Heart," she says honestly, "But I didn't even know I was going to try to meet with you that night until I made up my mind that very moment. It would have been impossible for him to know I would, would it not? Perhaps he was trying to get to you, my Prince? Somehow knew about the passage?"

"That is all too possible, though who would know of the passsage?" The question requires no answer, as Theowyn turns more to face the Princess. "It is likely a small list. I was not even aware of that passgeway, or still know much to its purpose."

Sinclair says "Perhaps he stumbled upon it accidently, much in the way you must have, Your Highness, while looking for a hiding place?"

Elyse looks uncertain, "I . . I don't know." She tilts her head in the direction of the Prince's voice, seeking his impression.

"Perhaps. Though it would not explain what he was doing there in the first place. Unless he was simply a burgler in search of an escape." Theowyn's fingers spread across the center of Elyse's back, as he continues to lightly press on her.

Elyse nods and rubs her temple tiredly, "What has the man claimed in his defense?"

The thoughtful expression remains on Nolan's face as he listens. He has some notes to make when he returns to his apartments.

"He is currently hiding himself within lies," Theowyn explains. "But he swears he meant only to take Kandori jewels."

Reacting instinctively, Elyse's hand goes to her tiara, and the onyx diadem across her forehead. There are more precious gems in her treasury, of course, but this is a family heirloom, and a privaledge to be granted the tiara which is usually passed down to the oldest daughter at her Debut. Etania is the oldest daughter . . . "Oh," Elyse responds, "Well, I suppose Kandori gems are rather reputed as precious comodities." She shakes her head and the thoughts that entered her mind, "Please forgive me, gentlemen. I think I should retire. I feel a bit . . . fatigued." Her hand moves to Theowyn, though, bidding him to linger a moment longer than Nolan and Sinclair. Sohai remains quietly off the side, attentive and yet pondering the information at the same time.

"Of course, Princess." Theowyn watches Elyse with those light eyes, taking in her features for a hint of her thoughts. He does turn to Nolan, beginning the light bow. "Thank-you for your help, Lord, master. Light illume."

Nolan nods and bows to both Royals. Sinclair bows as well as he speaks, "Of course, Your Highness. You know where to find us should you need us. Light Bless you both." With this, they move out of the room.

Nolan has left.

Sinclair leaves with Nolan.

Sinclair has left.

Elyse rises and waits to hear the others leave before moving toward Theowyn's voice, her arms reaching for a gentle hug, She mutters to Theowyn, "I will... what... done to procure... my Heart. I long..." She smiles, a blush coming to her cheeks.

You sense Elyse rises and waits to hear the others leave before moving toward Theowyn's voice, her arms reaching for a gentle hug, "I will see what cn be done to procure the key, my Heart. I long to be with you, alone, again." She smiles, a blush coming to her cheeks.

The touch of his hand upon yours might show his pleasure to you, for you miss the way his eyes widen in appreciateion. "That would be pleasing," he agrees, the words whispered when his lips move to brush againts her earlobe. The other arm draws her closer, finding the warmth and love of another brief kiss. "Until then, my love?"

Elyse smiles and nods, returning the kiss tenderly, "Until then," she murmurs, "I love you. Sleep well, my Prince."

"Pleasant dreams, Princess." Theowyn reluctantly lifts away from your touch, nodding to Sohai briefly before he makes his slow escape.