Arthur sputtered before Asriel could even consider opening his mouth to speak-- he flushed a muddled sort of red that spread to his ears, and he immediately dipped into a bow before the Queen. "Your Radiance," he rumbled, certainly a plea for her patience. "Forgive my haste-- in assuring that your time was well spent, I was not able to garner any further information from our... Guest." His eyes, dark and somewhat beady, flashed over to the Asriel, who stood head and shoulders taller than him.<br/><br/>"Quite all right, sir-- Arthur, was it?" A grin tipped the corner of Asriel's mouth. "It would be my honor to introduce myself to Her Royal Highness." He squared his shoulders, and with practiced ease, bowed low at the waist with a fist clenched over his heart-- a pledge in the Southern Isles, one that was not made lightly.<br/><br/>"My name is Asriel Dresden. I hail from Aliza, the small island to the West of His Majesty, King Caddeus' territory." He unfurled to his full height once again, arms tucked neatly behind his back. "I am grateful to you already, Your Highness, for granting me this audience. But I now must humbly ask that you allow me to be at your service. This is the gift sent by my King, and should you accept, you will find no subject more loyal than I."<br/><br/>Again, Arthur sputtered. "A<i>slave</i>?" he snapped. "What sort of court does Your King take ours for? Her Radiance has no use for another hand maiden--"<br/><br/>"Slave is a very harsh word, sir, and I would implore you not to insult my homeland." Asriel's dark brow creased, the smile diminished at once. He turned his attention back to the Queen. "I have been sent to lend you more than another set of hands, Your Highness. Shall I explain?"