"How did you know?" said Kurt looking at Talia, "is that why you've been staring at me?"

"In our—domain—we have a spring and it allows you to see auras. It's not that useful in a physical sense, but yes your aura is rather miraculous, the greatest one I had ever seen before hers," signaling her head at Layla, "but I wouldn't say it was the only reason," giving Kurt a wink and a cute smile.

"Yes, that would make sense," said Layla.

"So Princess Layla, please tell," said the prince.

"It's rather simple, I have access to a gate, to a place that has antimantium and I intend to sell It, so I'm not smuggling."

"That doesn't explain a lot," said Talia.

"I'm sure it doesn't," said Layla. "But Carl is a witness, and so can others."

"But that doesn't explain how you are even here," said Taila, "if you are even what you claim to be a Fae."

"Why does everyone," as she hovered above her seat, "say that?" turning towards Kurt before coming back down to her seat.

"And this medicine? Just a cover story?" said the Crown Prince.

"That's actually all true," said Kurt

"Huh."

"But how I did it involves being on the other side," said Kurt.

"Ohh."

"Still," said Talia, "how did you pass through the gate to begin with?"

"You're a smart one aren't you?"

"I say so."

"Well, here is my problem," said Layla. "One clan has captured and enslaved my kind, I can clearly see that you are a champion of a Fae," Taila nodded. "and I know how the Fire clan got theirs. And now I'm faced with another clan."

"And what does the Fire clan have to do with us?" said Fredrick.

"Well I will tell you like I told them, Stop Hunting My Kind."

"Is that all, who says we hunted them at all," said Fredrick.

"Well, if I can talk to the Fae and confirm that, I would be willing to do business with you, but it seems the fire clan has not responded to my request but instead are hunting me. I am willing to believe you, but I will have to confirm this. You understand why I am hesitant to believe just your words."

"And?"

"So you can see why I wouldn't want to tell all my secrets to you. Or anyone of any clan."

"Yes," said Fredrick, "How could you trust us?"

"Exactly, and I mean no disrespect if my biased assumption is not true. But, I know you have some, and I question how they got there."

"You can move it," said the Crown Prince, "that explains everything, the fire clan thought you couldn't and when you did, that's why they went there and found nothing, and why you're here. Carl you sly devil, underscoring the law. And you're crazy you would just pay the taxes. And you're banking on there being no actual laws about this at all."

"Well, I am known as a fairly good merchant if I do say so my sel, your majesty. I wasn't intending to make much noise," said Carl, "But yes, there are no laws about this, exactly and I feel I have put the honest effort to obey the current laws, this is a new business venture you understand."

Sara nudged Kurt whispering, "what the fuck are we going to do?"

"You are very smart my prince," said Layla.

"That still doesn't explain anything," said Taila.

"No it doesn't," said Layla, "but now you know what is happening, that is the truth."

"And if we wanted to attack the fire clan?" Said Fredrick.

"Well, that might change a few things." Said Layla, "but why would you want to? I thought the clans got along."

The prince and the two Valentine Clan members laughed, "no, only on the outside, the clans basically hate each other, well are more in a power play, it basically guaranteed that if one clan were to take another, the combined strength would fall the last one, even if we wanted peace the other two couldn't allow if even if one disagreed, and nobody trusts each other. The fact is, eventually one of the clans will attack another, it's only a matter of time."

"What do you think, Kurt?" Said Layla

Kurt on the spot said ,"Well no one has really made an offer to us, I came to eat a meal, and I feel like we have gotten a little ambushed and have to explain ourselves, more than we ever expected, we have been careful not to explicitly break the law."

"I agree. So does the Valentine Clan have anything to offer me?" said Layla.

"Well, maybe we should all cool off," said the prince. "Let's eat for a while and think about that. My lady, I think I understand you're worried about being in the open, and to be honest the inner workings of either clan are too much of a mystery to myself, than I like. But you came here, and were honest, as you could be, I can't say if I was in a position like yours I would be more forthcoming. Can I as Prince of this Kingdom offer you a hand of welcome and friendship." Putting out his hand

"I like you Prince George, it's rare for a human to be" looking at Kurt, then Sara, then back at the Prince and shaking the princes, "so level headed." And the Prince smiled.

"My friend Carl said I would hear you out, and I feel. I have, and I feel my guests have overstepped their authority here, so to you two," looking at Fredrick and Talia, " I must ask you to stop interrogating her. And think about the question 'what does the Valentine clan offer her?' I shall think about the same question of my kingdom, in the Kingdom of Hamlet, we have a saying, 'Offer peace not war, for both have a heavy price.' "

And so the awkward dinner continued, the prince seemed likeable enough. Fredrick had gotten into some conversation with Layla, about one thing or another. Talia had gotten a bit closer to Kurt, "so what are you really?"

"What do you mean, I'm a normal guy mostly, I grew up in Hamlet."

"Well, perhaps, but normal," she gave him a look and and down, "I wouldn't say that," biting her lip. She has to be playing a honeypot here right? Her green eyes were mesmerizing up this close though, as she twirled her long smooth auburn hair. She was quite the beauty, with enough everywhere you'd want it, top and bottom, enough to hold the strapless white dress she was wearing at least. The dinner hadn't gone quite as planned but somehow Kurt didn't have any complaints.

"This is actually surprisingly good news, the fire clan has been really worrisome lately," said Fredrick, "if we can knock them down a notch at least."

"I am also pleasantly surprised by everyone's reaction, you must believe that I was quite worried," said Layla.

"That's understandable," said George, "surely you didn't think I would have done anything forcefully. Has the royal family's name fallen so low? I assume my lady, we have no ambitions for the other side of the gate while there is so much on this side for us to take."

"So how long are you in town?" said Talia.

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