It wasn’t as difficult for Orion to keep a straight face while the Princess labored with her statements and apologies.  She was very good at it, too.  Clearly, Cassiopeia had done this before, as there was a recognizable polish to her mannerisms.  Mother actually bought the act, too.  Though really, what could she do?  Call the Princess out for being a faker?  Not likely, though that would have been rich to witness.<br/><br/>Halfway up the stairs, Orion so wanted to laugh out loud (really loud) at her remark about a headache being an ace up her sleeve when it was time to weasel out of certain situations.  One of which was the classic,<i>Not tonight, honey, I have a headache.  </i>So as not to draw any suspicion, however, he kept his chuckle low enough for only her to hear.  “I wouldn’t know, Princess,” he stated.  “Usually when I don’t feel like doing something, I just say I don’t feel like doing it.  It’s not always met with success, of course.”  Grinning at her, he suddenly realized he actually enjoyed her proximity.<br/><br/>“And I’ll take your word for it whether Mother saw right through you or not,” he said, still smiling.  Stopping at her door, he announced, “Well, here we are, Princess.  Do enjoy your peace and quiet.  We’ll miss you at dinner.”  Orion winked at her as he turned to leave.