Nikolai hesitated, knowing that he couldn't exactly give out his actual name, in case things ended badly for him. Still, he needed to give her an answer. After a moment of thought, he came to a decision and smiled at her. "You may call me Niko." It wasn't his full name, but it wasn't a lie. Hopefully it would satisfy her and she would not realize he hadn't given her his actual name.<br/><br/>As for her next question, that was easy enough. "I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that should be passed up. It's not every day that a ball is thrown by the king, open to all." He then paused, arching an eyebrow at her though it was hidden by his mask.<br/><br/>"What about you, fair lady? What brings you to the keep? Honestly, you don't seem too thrilled about the party. Why come if you do not intend to enjoy it?" Of course he did not realize that she was the princess and that she had no choice to attend.