"Ah-well, she..." Bazel trailed off. His cheeks flushed.  The prince didn't think much of the blood. It was only a few beads and he wouldn't miss it. Not to mention he was used to allowing the small plant to drink his blood, they where Blood Roses after all. However he was not used to having his hand held, at least outside of brief court introductions...and Emris' hands where vastly different from that of a noble's, including Bazel's own. Where Bazel's hands where soft, showing little sign of work outside of the small calluses from holding a quill, Emris' where rougher. No doubt from bow and blade. Hunting and preparing his catch. It was, dare the prince say, nice. Which was something he should not be thinking of. Emris had agreed to his plan, but that in no way meant he shared Bazel's tendencies and would no doubt not appreciate the interest. He certainly hadn't liked Bazel's looks on the way to the castle. But Bazel had been staring then and anyone would find that uncomfortable. No. It still didn't matter. Better not to think such thoughts then risk loosing his chance to save his family and the kingdom.<br/><br/>Putting the pleasant feeling of Emris' hand on his he refocused on the other man's question, though his cheeks where no less pink, "She'll realize that you're being protected. I doubt she'll take long to realize that I somehow found a way to hinder her. She won't be pleased but even if she suspects the nature of our 'relationship', she won't be able to voice it. She wouldn't wish to risk those under her control breaking free by questioning how she knew. So she'd need proof of some kind...or at the very least a mundane reason to suspect us,"<br/><br/>Bazel paused, removing his hand from Emris' to place it in his lap, "She'll try other methods once she realizes magic won't work. Bribe, seduce, lie. I'm not sure how far she'll go. Though she may also view you as inconsequential to her plan and leave you be. I'm not entirely sure. I try to spend as little time in her company as I can..."<br/><br/>He hated the way she looked at him. The way she'd lean in close, pressing her breasts against his arm to whisper in his ear. The way she'd sit by him at dinner and stroke his leg under the table when no one was paying attention. It made his skin crawl. Even if he had some interest in women how could she imagine that he'd return her interest after what she'd done to his family? To people he loved? After she'd wrecked his home? Put an entire kingdom of people in danger?<br/><br/>"Of course it doesn't always work," Bazel couldn't hide the sourness of his tone or suppress the shudder that skittered down his spine. Nor could he prevent the look of disgust that flashed across his face. In truth he didn't wish to speak of it. Though come tomorrow night Emris would be witness to such things. No doubt called so the Witch could praise him over his catch and attempt to enchant him.<br/><br/>Something Bazel didn't care much to think about either. At least he knew her magic would fail, so that was some comfort. Anything else was left to Emris and his character. Which was largely unknown to the prince and made him a bit nervous, causing him to pluck at the sleeve of his shirt. Eyes focused on his lap and even his tea forgotten.<br/><br/>"I do wish I had a more solid answer to give you but...that woman really does make my skin crawl,"