Driving Home - Castle in the Sky

As they left the Regency, Addison turned her attention to Ra'idah. "What lingers on your mind?"

"That there are some places that you shouldn't go, and I'm surprised you didn't ask about your Primogen."

"Perhaps things are handled differently here. I am accustomed to receiving Acknowledgement, and then seeking out your Primogen. I don't believe it is the Prince's job to make the introductions."

She smiled and shook her head.

"It's not. But asking a name isn't a difficult thing."

"I am mostly aware of the names I need to know in this city - the people I need to find. Benjamin Harding is the name of the Primogen I seek, is it not?"

Estaban shook his head.

"No, it is not.

"Oh, that must have changed recently.. who is it now?"

"Christine Lowrey. An associate of Benjamin's."

"Ah, I see." She nodded her thanks. "Other changes I should know about? The two of you still serve the court?"

Estaban looked at Ra'idah. And then back at the ittle girl.

"I am... at odds right now. A little more free time."

She smiled.

"I do, yes. I don't think the Prince will let me not serve, honestly."

"I'm not sure what 'at odds' indicates, shall I assume you've stepped down from your position?" She glanced to Ra'idah, nodding. "Why allow a good thing to go?"

She gave the child a smile.

"Exactly. I'm efficient and he trusts me. It's almost no-win. I couldn't step down if I wanted to."

"He is the Prince, after all. I suppose you will have to accept his intense confidence in you and continue on." It may have been an attempt at sarcasm, Addison had not quite expressed the way she had intended to, and merely came out emotionless.

It didn't matter. Spending so much time around inhuman monsters meant that she could pick up even small cues. She chuckled quietly.

"Fair enough. No offense, but you'll understand if I need to keep an eye on you for a bit?"

Estaban said nothing to the stepping down. It was a matter of pride, not that he had much left anymore..but instead he smiled and let the two.. women.. talk.

"Of course, I welcome it.. especially if you are going to be showing my girls your ponies."

She rolled her eyes.

"Good lord, don't tell the Prince that you have a bunch of children who like ponies. He'll buy a farm full of shetland ponies for them."

"And is that a bad thing?" Addison smiled. "But I would buy them their own ponies."

She shook her head.

"Not a bad thing, no. He just loves children."

"I never suggested it was a bad thing." She interjected, "But if anyone is going to spoil my girls, it will be me."

She laughed.

"Fair enough. Though I do expect others to try."

"Of course. Perhaps we can have a contest."

She laughed.

"That's possible. Though I don't think it's likely."

"I was attempting to be sarcastic, such a contest would be well below the station of the Sheriff, the Prince, or even myself." Any falsified emotions had gone once she had gotten in the car, she appeared exhausted.