Monday afternoon ...

DAPRIMA:

… Let me introduce you. Washi this is Karanthir and Karanthir this is ...

WASHI:

Washi, brother to Shiehk of the Telemaitte, husband to 

Princess Usagi, Ambassador to Empress of Elensar. I am honored.

KARANTHIR:

As am I, Karanthir of Lamalas, brother of Findarato, CeleBryndal and Orrophin,  Consort to Prince Zyfan, the next One.

DAPRIMA:

Woa, I can almost  feel testosterone …

WASHI:

Ah yes, Zyfan - you are his vampire body guard and lover. 

I have heard mention of you. Daprima, you may leave us.

DAPRIMA:

Dismissing me -  in my own house? I don't think so. 

I’ll stay right here to make sure things stay civil.

KARANTHIR:

Really Daprima, that won’t be necessary. I've been hearing about the 

constant ray of sunshine Washi's been spreading throughout our home.

I’m sure this will be nothing more than a pleasant little chat.

DAPRIMA:

Remember Karanthir, it was his wife who helped with your recent illness.

WASHI:

My Usagi - helped you?

KARANTHIR:

Ah yes, the lovely Usagi, I believe her presence alone hastened my recovery.

Did you know she desires to study my person? I may just let her, too.

WASHI:

Usagi will do as she will. I'm pleased she was able to be of help at 

your time of weakness. Zyfan has mentioned my name to you?

WASHI:

That may have been true once, but now he's cavorting with 

one lacking royal blood, some may believe he’s been tarnished.

DAPRIMA:

Careful Karanthir, don't want to say anything you may later regret.

DAPRIMA:

Oh look, here's Vanni ...

KARANTHIR:

I'll thank you not to do that again, madame.

VANNI:

Am I'm interrupting something?

DAPRIMA:

Of course not. Why don't you join us?

VANNI:

Actually, I’m here to invite Washi on a tour of the town. You mentioned 

you wanted to see this realm. Is this a good time?

WASHI:

It is. I shall get my cloak.

WASHI:
Daprima, I enjoyed our talk. Karanthir – we'll continue this another time.

KARANTHIR:

I look forward to it.

Washi leaves.

VANNI:

…Everything OK?

KARANTHIR:

No - everything’s is not OK …

KARANTHIR:

… How dare you? I recommend you think twice before placing your hand 

on my lips again - unless you want to feel the sting of my fangs.

Why did you interfere? Especially when it was getting interesting.

DAPRIMA:

Heated is more like it.

KARANTHIR:
Oh, I wasn't going to hurt him. I only wanted to see how far I could push him.

VANNI:

Do you think that's wise Karanthir? Any repercussions would only hurt Zyfan.

KARANTHIR:

Oh come now, we all know this is inevitable. I was only playing with him. 

Besides – he started it, reciting all his insignificant titles to me. I mean really! And what's with you Vanni, fraternizing with the enemy?

VANNI:

Someone needs to keep an eye on him.

VANNI:

… Did you get a reading on him?

DAPRIMA:

Yes, it wasn't as clear as I would've liked, but ... I’m pretty sure 

he's not interested in Io. Which surprised me.

VANNI:
Well that’s a good start. I better go. I’ll see if I can learn anything 

useful from him. We’ll compare notes later.

Vanni leaves. 

KARANTHIR:

You and Vanni, conspiring without me. I must say I'm feeling quite left out.

DAPRIMA:

You're too close Karanthir.

KARANTHIR:

But I can be a great asset.

DAPRIMA:
You just make nice with Washi for the time being. If we need your help …

KARANTHIR:
When you need my help …

DAPRIMA:
… We’ll let you know. Trust me, it’s  under control.