It seemed difficult to read this man, his mannerisms so different from what he was used to. The power he could sense from him no doubt made it more difficult. A small part of him at the nape of his neck tingled with unease as he spoke seeing a shadow move through the mans eyes as the glow of the staff snuffed out. Still, Niko did not react, did not ask. It was not his place. Frankly he was content to avoid magics, even if he had his own small grasp of power, a tiny taste of the power the women in his family held really. But theirs was a magic of healing. The reason Jessamine was with Violet that fateful night, she had been having her child checked on to ensure its health after a bought of sickness had struck her.<br/><br/>Arenor seemed unbothered by the odd shadow, no doubt it was just his mind playing tricks, and responded. Niko relaxed a little when the man agreed to his words. Solemnly the Duke nodded at his words. "Alain will be kept safe," he said with confidence. With that said he once more bowed perfectly for a man of his station to a man of Arenors and straightened with easy grace. "Until the Morn, Gods bless and the Goddess watch that your sleep be peaceful and safe Your Highness," he spoke softly before going to the door, pausing only to incline his head once more then slipping out. Offering and old blessing from the old Religion his mother kept, most nobles did, Athwan was a newer god the people clung to after all.<br/><br/>Once outside Nikolas sought counsel with Vincent and his mother to solidify security details and the rough plan. That done he attended a late Council meeting that was demanded he hold by the nobles and spent most the evening arguing and forcing the nobles to submit to his will, an still he held no hope it worked, precautions still in place. One could never trust these vipers.<br/><br/>The next morning saw Nikolas awake early despite the late night. He spent an hour training with Vincent before they both went to wash and dress for the day. Frail looking Niko might be at times did not mean he could not defend himself. Lessons soon he would have to talk to Arenor about Alain starting.<br/><br/>Freshly washed Niko dressed in fair colors today, gray pants fitted to his long legs tucked into his black boots, a pale violet shirt long sleeved shirt with his favored black/purple sleeveless over coat belted at his waist only seemed to bring out the color of his eyes. His hair was let naturally to rest about his shoulders in soft waves. Today the only metal he bore was his house ring upon his hand. Satisfied he looked presentable he went to escort his mother to break the fast. She was lovely as always. Lady Violet was a willowy creature, all delicate build, long raven curls with a few strands of gray shimmering in her loose braid over her delicate shoulder. Her kind blue eyes warm seeming the smile even if her lips don't. today she was draped in white silk dress that fit her slender figure well, a simple violet sash about her waist matched the crown of violets her granddaughter had wove her that sat upon her brow. Niko raised his brows and similar brows rose as if daring him to comment. A smile and shake of his head he offered her his arm which she took.<br/><br/>The pair entered the private dining room first, shortly joined with two children dropped off by Niko's harassed looking elder sister needing to go to her work. The children were not like the Caspian family their hair auburn and eyes amber like their fathers, though their fine features were all their mothers and grandmothers. Violet made to fuss over the twins but Niko firmly made her sit and he wrangled them in their seats with a firm hand and stern talking to about manners for important guests. He was finishing pouring a cup of juice for Lana when the door opened after a knock telling him the guard was admitting their guests, lead by one of his mothers Lady's who gave a deep curtsy and stepped aside to let her charges enter before slipping out when Violet nodded to her.<br/><br/>Right away Violet rose and moved around the table to meet the pair, her eyes taking the child in before they rested on Arenor. Niko rose from his crouch next to Lana, smoothing his clothes down as he did watching his Mother drop into a curtsy and rise as she gave Arenor a gentle smile moving to reached out and touch him but stopped halfway through the action. "You look much like Jessamine, but you are very much your fathers son," she said really looking at him before glancing at the child again. "Come sit, food will be in soon," she said stepping to the side and gesturing to the table. Niko watched the whole thing closely as he moved around the table.