[ Scrutiny is something Anthony is used to. The appraisal from Steve means little to him as he finds himself constantly assessed and reassessed by those closest to him daily. He was the only child of his parents and so the weight of leadership had been thrust on him at a very early age.

He's not sure about this man. He knows what he's heard. Good and steadfast. Loyal. He hadn't heard about how handsome he was, but then he'd apparently been very sickly as a child. Was he still, or had the ill Queen received her miracle? He sits down in the chair that's next to the one that Steven chooses, and leans back.

It doesn't last long, though, and the other man is up again. He can't help the slightly incredulous laugh. ]

Eager wasn't something I pegged you for. [ He clears his throat and stands, arms crossing over his own chest. ]

Sure, if that's what you want. [ There, he said it. Report back to whoever the hell for all he cares. ] You can let me know if I'm wrong but the prince I met a very, very long time ago had these whims and notions and ---frankly, I thought he thought that this whole deal was archaic.

Cold.

I'll bite with that. Not with the idea that you're just not feeling it cause I don't tick any of your boxes cause I'm everyone's boxes.