ZYFAN:

... Do you realized that we have been here for over two weeks and

Uncle has given us no indication as to the urgency of our arrival.

SYRRAH:

It sounds to me as if you have once again woken up on the

wrong side of the bed this morning.

ZYFAN:

That is easy to do when your lover is not beside you

to prevent you from straying there.

SYRRAH:

I am sorry you are missing Karanthir, but perhaps it is 

best that he is not here.

ZYFAN:

Why should you say such a thing?

SYRRAH:

Have you prepared him to meet the family, or attend court?

Does he know all that will be expected of him?

ZYFAN:

Karanthir is the noblest person I know. He fits in anywhere,

if he chooses to do so.

SYRRAH:

Oh? Then answer me this, why have you

never mentioned him to mother?

ZYFAN:

The opportunity has not come up.

SYRRAH:

Or perhaps it has occurred to you that 

mother may not approve of him.

ZYFAN:

No. I mean - why should she not?

SYRRAH:

Because she is mother and that is her way.

SYRRAH:

... Oh Zyfan, forgive me if my words seem harsh. I just do

not wish to see you fall from your position as the favorite.

ZYFAN:

Favorite? Whose favorite?

SYRRAH:

Mother’s favorite, of course.

ZYFAN:

I am Mother's favorite? When did his happen?

SYRRAH:

You have always been her favorite. I cannot believe you did not know this.

ZYFAN:

You are out of your mind.

SYRRAH:

Am I?

SYRRAH:

…You studied what she chose, joined the military when she suggested it, attended Magick School at her request - despite the fact that you have no talent in sorcery. And now you are to be the next One, a position she was never able to attain.

SYRRAH:

… And through it all, you never once disagreed with her.

ZYFAN:

I .... that is ... well, it was all for my greater good.

SYRRAH:

And if she tells you Karanthir is not for your greater good?

ZYFAN:

That is not going to happen.

ZYFAN:

… Oh, greetings Vanni.

VANNI:

Are you two at it again?

ZYFAN:

Did you know that I am the favorite?

VANNI:

I beg your pardon?

ZYFAN:

According to Syrrah - I am mother’s favorite, 

and Karanthir may not meet with her approval.

SYRRAH:

That is not what I said. You must prepare him first.

VANNI:

Especially now, with all this talk of your wife.

ZYFAN:

My - what?

SYRRAH:

Husband, have you heard something?

VANNI:

Your father told me that this banquet tonight,

it’s to present the next One with his … choices.

ZYFAN:

But it is too soon. I will not need to marry for many, many years 

…I must see father right away. Excuse me.