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Cecil blushed only darker when Irulan asked him why he blushed. He rubbed mindless at his cheek and turned his gaze away hiding his embarrassment. "I like to think it's my fiery passion-" he said dryly. Cecil was often teased because of his blushing cheeks. Being compared to virgin maidens or overworked old men. "But I'm starting to think it's part of a cruel joke being played on me-" he was still flushed but he was trying to soothe himself to make him appear a bit like a normal person. "He can be demanding at times. Sometimes he can be kind as well" he admitted at last, he hoped Irulan would keep that between them, Valter was growing to like the quiet young man as they approached the chambers of Valter. "I'm certain you'll get a chance too" he said as the old cat puttered up the stairs behind them, once they reached the top of the stairs, the cat pelted ahead disappeared around a corner. Cecil watched him disappear before adding "You're probably the first person other then myself whose touched him. He'll probably follow you home if you're not careful." he said mildly. The old cat came walking calmly from around the corner as if nothing had happened and he approached the guard as if he had been waiting for hours for their approach. The guard paused and knocked twice at the door, he had an idea the man wasn't inside, so rather he closed his eyes and opened the door. The room had been cleaned recently by the maids when news arrived of Valter's return, he stepped inside and gestured for Irulan to follow, Watchdog sat down patiently at the entrance and yawned knowing well he wasn't allowed inside the rooms of the castle unless he was invited.

"It seem's Valter is still visiting. He told me to make you comfortable- go ahead and have a look around." Cecil said mildly as he gestured for him to enter and take a peek around the room. "I would advise against looking through his personal items." Cecil cautioned, he would have to stop Irulan if that was the case, but he feared Valter's wraith more if he allowed some stranger to steal his belongings. Watchdog twitched his crooked tail and almost looked thoughtfully up at Cecil.

Cecil was surprised by the compliment. The guard was equally surprised when he spoke rather then signed. "Thank you" he said genuinely touched by the compliment. The guard pointed at Watchdog and raised his eyebrows as if reminding the cat to remain outside of the room. The cat licked his lips and looked away as if the gesture hadn't been noticed. "It sounds sad but I would be devastated if someone squished him" he said lightly. Although he rarely openly admitted it the cat was his near constant companion. "Wouldn't want him to start something with Storm, whatever they might be, that is" he was curious to learn more about Irulan but he kept himself in check. Reminding himself that he probably would never see Irulan again. He chuckled at the joke about stealing coins, he should have been more weary, but he doubted he could get away with stealing in the castle. "I wish I could offer you something in the way of drinks but unfortunately my hands are tied" he shrugged helpless, if he had his way he would have taken him back to the barracks and treated to a meal at least, it didn't seem right that Valter hadn't been waiting as he said he would.

Valter ignored the world around him as he made his way back to his bedchamber. All he wanted to do was throw himself into bed and regain some energy. That was until he saw the familiar ugly pelt of Watchdog and recalled that he had sent a guard out to bring him entertainment. "Surely you don't intend to let the entire kingdom into my chambers, do you?" he growled and saw the guard start and turn with a guilty look on his narrow face. "Sire" the man stammered "I hadn't intended to let anyone else in the room. I brought you guest inside as you requested. I didn't think you would want her to be alone-" the guard stammered into silence when Valter glared at him and frowned. That was until his eyes found Irulan and he smiled in a rather dashing manner. "Certainly, my good man, I appreciate the thoughtfulness. You're excused, please take that rug with you." he gestured towards the feral cat that was glowering at the silent white raven. "Of course sire-" the guard blushed as he excused himself and ushered Watchdog away with a gentle boot.

"A thousand apologies for the wait" he said in a way that sounded as if he really didn't care if he had waited all night for his return. Whoever the perceived female was it was clear she was not from royal blood. The large man gestured for his guest carelessly to reenter the room just as Cecil rounded the corner with his godawful cat. "Please forgive me for not being here to greet you. As you can imagine it's expected of me to visit my family after being away for so long" he sounded as if the entire process of visiting his family bored him. In reality his mind was back in Ursula's chamber. He doubted she cared to hear of his personal affairs with his family. It wasn't why he had requested her presence. Valter carefully brushed the odd raven from his shoulder and despite the throaty protests of the bird he took wing and landed on a roost stationed near the crackling fire. The bird's feathers were ruffled and he kept his back on his master and his company. "Please, get comfortable, I'm certain you must be cold-" he gestured towards a seat nearest to the fire as he headed back to the door and carefully locked so no one could bother him. "My name is Valter Drosselmeyer, as you must know, it's always my pleasure to meet lovely creatures such as yourself" he smiled as he turned to face Irulan as he removed his jacket and casually tossed it aside. He would allow the staff to deal with his messes later. I was a perk of being royalty after all. "May I ask for your name?" he asked as he sat down and leaned back, crossing a leg he kept a predatory eye on his new guest as his smile remained fixed on his handsome face, he hardly cared to know her name. She wasn't here to exchange words with. As to be expected she must know at least a bit of the rumors that followed the young prince and that only served to make the game even more entertaining for him. The more he eased this stranger the better the fight would be, or at least he hoped, half of the fun came from seeing just how desperate a woman could get.

(enter Valter- exit guard Cecil heading back towards barracks)

Valter observed the movements of the rather striking companion who withdrew a pair of unique looking fans. "Fans?" he seemed rather unimpressed although he was a bit weary. They could conceal a weapon and the last thing he needed this evening was an assassination attempt. "Shan't be needing those, I don't think" he grinned as he rested his chine on his forefinger and thumb, he looked completely relaxed, but he remained alert when his guest starting signing at him. "Excuse me? I can't hear hands." he sounded more then a bit annoyed as he narrowed his eyes slightly at Irulan. Sign language wasn't completely unnatural to him but the fact that his guest could possibly be unable to make noises annoyed him slightly. Where would the fun in that be? But as he squinted at his hands and made out that he wanted coins. Of course a whore would want his coin. It was only natural after all and with a flourish movement he withdrew his coin purse and withdrew the the amount as requested by Irulan. If only to get him to speak. A one-sided conversation would drive him into madness.

"Speak you wench" he hissed in frustration as he tossed the coins almost mindlessly at Irulan. "I haven't got all night to play hand games-" he growled but the comment brought an amused smile to his handsome face. "Unless you think you can best me in a wrestling match" his posture remained relaxed but he looked more thoughtful now then he had earlier. "Shan't say you'll win in a match against me" he mused. The raven settled down a bit more and was preening his feathers, although as it's master spoke it seemed more interested in what was happening around him, but it hardly acknowledged Irulan. "Forget names." he growled as he rose to his feet, he approached Irulan and grabbed his left wrist, and hauled him onto his feet. "you'll do as I say or you'll be punished, sound fair?" he growled as he grabbed Irulans face with his free hand to ensure he couldn't look away "Or do I need to break your hands to ensure speak?" he added although his smile remained charming his eyes had grown cold.

Valter narrowed his eyes when Irulan met his stare and didn't back down.He was so used to people yielding to him that he was almost at a loss for words when he stated he could match him in a wrestling match. That made his eyebrows rise. "We will see" he said at last after soothing his annoyance and failing. Whoever this person was they had caught his attention. Valter hadn't decided if he wanted to punish him for his attitude or not, the only person who dared to be so bold in his presence was his sister, he was unaccustomed to this kind of treatment. The prince remained still for a few seconds as he considered what he wanted to do. After a moment his face softened some but his hold only grew stronger. If there was a chance for him to escape he wouldn't allow it. "I dare say you have caught my attention" he said at last, depending on the subject it could be a good or bad thing to have his attention, and tonight his mood wasn't favorable.

Valter finally eased his hold on the effeminate man. He knew if he should need it he could defend himself against an attack. He had in the past and he couldn't see how this woman could do anything to him that he didn't want to happen. "Of course someone of your appearance would be skilled?" he mused. Regardless if he insulted Irulan or not he didn't care. Irualn's feelings meant nothing to him. Finally he removed his hand from his face but his eyes slid from his face and down his body as if in thought. "Come along then" he gestured for Irulan t follow him, giving him the chance to move without force, but as he moved towards his bed he was already considering what he was going to do to punish this wench for her boldness. If he needed he could have him thrown like garbage into the slums. The very thought made him ease and his smile become genuine. It was another perk of being royalty and one that kept him in his many pleasures.

Valter smiled genuinely when Irulan mentioned that catching his attention was dangerous. He didn't prefer to think of it as dangerous. Those who found themselves lucky enough to come in contact with him. What else did they have to look forward to in their sad little lives? The dark-haired young man tilted his head to the side and spoke without looking back at Irulan. "You wouldn't be incorrect" he admitted at last "But I can assure you that most of those rumors are mindless babble from maids-" he sniffed. Valter enjoyed hearing about his performances, he disliked when people lied, it wounded his pride. "Yes, your appearance" he said in a tone that suggested he thought Irulan wasn't the brightest person he had the pleasure of socializing with. "I dare say you aren't hard on the eye. It's really a shame you don't have noble blood" as he left his resting room behind and entered his bedchambers he paused to get accustomed to it. "But outward appearance means nothing" he added with a rumbling chuckle. Valter hadn't noticed the scent of lilacs to start but he assumed the scent was a thoughtful maid trying to chase the dusty scent away. "Please, make yourself comfortable" he mused as he headed towards a wardrobe to find something more comfortable, well to make him more comfortable, and as he whistled a pleasing tune to himself he kept an ear out for Irulan.

Valter found himself taking his time removing his shirt and grimacing at the bite and claw marks his dear sister left across his chest. The one on his collarbone would be a problem, seeing as it had bled and stained the delicate fabric of his undershirt, he would have to punish her for her thoughtlessness. Regardless of his grievances he found himself completely relaxed and prepared to see just what his guest was capable of. The very thought made him smile as he shimmed out of his clothing and slipped into his familiar sleepwear. A hooded rob meant to cover him when he wasn't in bed and nothing much else. Although he was often scolded for his thoughtlessness whenever a guest might happen into his chambers uninvited he hardly cared if he offended their senses with his body. As far as he was concerned he wasn't horrendous on the eye and it might just make someone else's day to see him in his birthday suit. The scent of lilacs had grown stronger but he ignored it, he examined himself in the mirror again cursing the minor wounds, but admiring his sisters handiwork before turning and keeping the robe carefully around himself he made his way back to his large bed the smile growing less playful and more dangerous.