Ijemaru's interest had been piqued. Lady Anna's words, while spoken in the form of encouragement and support, whether intentionally or unintentionally revealed her true desires.<span style="font-style: italic">A new star will shine brighter, eh?</span>Ijemaru thought, amused. It seemed he had some competition to be wary of, and one who's words easily enticed those who remained unwary.<br/><br/>But yet again, everyone's words play right into his hands, for they do nothing but open doors. And of course, a response had been prepared for just such a sentiment. Ijemaru was pleased however, that his father had enough sense to wait until after his highness had spoken before continuing.<br/><br/>Amadeus gives a friendly, unforced laugh. "I suppose," he said, "when thinking in such a way, surely the time cannot be wrong. And as long as the fates smile upon us," he said, turning to look at Lady Anna with a kind expression on his face, "then surely a brighter star will come. Eh, my boy?" Amadeus turned, smiling at Ijemaru.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Idiot!</span>Ijemaru thought, though his outer countenance did not change in the slightest.<span style="font-style: italic">You addressed me too soon!</span><br/><br/>But Ijemaru was practically<span style="font-style: italic">the </span>master of thinking on one's feet. He smiled pleasantly at his father and nodded. "Yes, surely father," he said obediently. "And if the fates are kind then its light will shine far."<br/><br/>Surely by now Amadeus had noticed his mistake, but he was not void of improvisational skills. He laughed merrily, "Well said, my boy," he said as if nothing unplanned had happened.<br/><br/>Amadeus' performance was masterful, but Ijemaru would definitely have a talk with him when they got home. A slip like that could have turned out a lot worse. Hopefully his father realized that since he'd acknowledged his son now he could not do it later. If he turned to him too often it might become noticeable as to who was really in charge. Of course, now a few later lines would have to be adjusted.