Ryland wasn't accustomed to being made to wait. At least, not out in the hall, like he was a servant waiting for the lord inside to sketch off a quick note for delivery. That was what parlors were for. But this was an Emperor-King, above even his father's station, technically, so he pursed his lips, rocked back on his heels, and waited for Kethaias' manservant to allow him in.<br/><br/>Kethaias' room was a tiny mimicry of his own, and Ryland toed daintily over the spill of clothes to where he'd glimpsed Kethaias' brooding sprawl on a couch.<br/><br/>"Goodness," Ryland said. He'd stopped in front of the couch, his gaze running appreciatively over Kethaias' state of dress while his fingers drummed at his hip. His smile was charming. "Is this meant to tempt me?"<br/><br/>He didn't wait for an answer, judging that Kethaias would know it from the look Ryland shot him, and then, without any ceremony whatsoever, shoved Kethaias' feet over to make room for himself on the couch. If this familiarity bothered Kethaias, Ryland made it clear he didn't care, Emperor-King or not.<br/><br/>"You don't look ready for an outing for lunch. This is the beginnings of a sulk." He motioned Rijek over and gave him quick instructions on having a lunch prepared and delivered up to them, including a few pieces of furniture that could be set up in front of the couch, and an order for a maid or other manservant to attend to the strew of clothes. When that was done, he leaned back into the couch with his arm across the back and angled himself toward Kethaias.<br/><br/>"I had the pleasure of a visit from my brother this morning, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Teleyard has a remarkable ability to unhinge his jaw into a war trumpet. I take it you had some similar dealings, though I must say, I'm a little surprised to find you upset about it. Or has my brother offered you unfavorable terms for my hand? He'll wheedle as much out of you as he can, and he's about as subtle about it as you are."<br/><br/>Promptly, someone came in to remove the clothes, and a charming little oval table was carried in. Ryland watched the servant's tiny, panicked pause. The placing of the table would be right where Kethaias' long legs had placed his feet. Ryland hooked his own booted foot under Kethaias' calf and dragged it closer to the couch. Shyly, the servant placed the table down, and then busied herself in bringing out a place setting and coffee while they waited for lunch to arrive.<br/><br/>Ryland fixed himself a cup and slid one over to Kethaias as well. "Tell me your woes, my dear. I do find it tiring to never see you smiling my company. I'm not used to it at all. Do you find me so very unworthy of it?"