Alaras could tell the boy was just as surprised as he was, and while he thought the situation might have been twisted to his whims, he realized that probably wasn't the case. Basren hadn't planned this, but he was still unsure what exactly had brought it on. Maybe his offer had been misinterpreted, Basren not making it clear enough. He was not about to correct the situation in front of the queen though, and really, while it wasn't a direct approach, being paired with anyone close to the King would give him opportunity.<br/><br/>He'd been intended to be set long term, to soak up information, so that the cause might strike carefully. He'd never been planted to strike himself. That would be a fool hearty plan, with far too much as risk. He'd been advised to take Alarastian's life as his own and to learn to live it. Could he do so with Maes' son? No. He made sure to chew his food carefully, because if any there was a time for Maes to rise from the dead and choke him, it was then when he was considering using Basren as a stepping stone to accomplish his goals.<br/><br/>“I've been comfortable, thank you,” Alaras answered. “I think by next week I will feel up to it.” He wouldn't ever feel up to it, not really. Basren deserved another sort of pairing, a girl or boy his own age. Of course, he could say nothing considering he had just been offering himself to the ageless King. That was still, in his opinion, different. Maes would skin him with a dull knife in the afterlife if he ever touched his son. He could only assume no one else had, either.<br/><br/>“You do not seem thrilled at the prospect,” Reynell spoke evenly, though his eyes betrayed his amusement. "There really is nothing wrong with our false brother, all except for his cunt of a father, but that really is no fault of his."<br/><br/>Alaras dropped his fork.<br/><br/>“No, no. It would be my pleasure, truly. This has only came as a surprise to me, is all. I find me and Basren.. have much in common,” Alaras amended.<br/><br/>“Sovele has not discussed this with you?” Anis questioned, feigning ignorance.<br/><br/>“No, I've yet to even meet His Majesty in person.” Alaras had to wonder why he hadn't that night, but of course, King's sometimes had better things to be doing.<br/><br/>“Oh,” was all she said, with a smile. After the meal, she'd pulled Basren aside, determined to make it understood that the King shouldn't meet him, not until the gala, when Alaras' interest in Basren could be made public knowledge.<br/><br/>"And go apologize to him, gossiping about him to Sovele first thing like some obedient dog," she snapped, sending him away, no longer masking her disdain.