The bronze man made his way to the throne room entrance and remained there just watching the interaction. He gave the king and his sons a courtly bow before turning his attention to the ranger, "Prince Willow, do you have a moment? I wish to speak with you."

"For our resident, Cleric, of course I do!" Prince Willow smiled before he turned to his brother and Irzen, "I will catch up with the both of you as soon as I can."

"As you wish, brother, but don't tarry too long!" Birch laughed as the Prince and the Swordsman exited the throne room.

"Now then, Lazheros, what vexes you?" Prince Willow asked as he studied the features of the Cleric.

Lazheros stepped back out into the hallway away from the throne room into a smaller room motioning the ranger to follow, "There is a matter that concerns you and a certain young shield maiden, Prince Willow. As for the kurori, you will not be seeing her until sunrise tomorrow."

"Is there something wrong with Serna?" The Ranger asked, "Was she injured during the battle? What are you not telling me, Lazheros?"

"Serna had a little spat with Caliaphy over the affections of you, ranger. I suggest you hear what the shield maiden has to say before things get out of hand when Caliaphy returns." The bronze man told him.

"Affections?! For me?! Surely you jest!" The Ranger gave the Cleric a quizzical look.

"Why do you think Serna got upset with Alyson regarding you? The shield maiden has had feelings, or as humans say, 'she has a crush on you.' And no I am not joking. In fact Serna is on her way with Alyson to tell you exactly how she feels about you. " The bronze man gestured to the stairs, "Perhaps its best that we meet them half way."

"Agreed," Prince Willow replied, "But when we meet them, can Serna and I have the room alone? There are things which must be said betwixt us that are not for the prying eyes or ears of friends. Understood?"

"As you wish, Prince Willow." The bronze man lead him down to the lower level of the palace to one of the smaller rooms that catered to visitors here in the city.

Willow entered the room and stood stock still as he patiently waited for both Alyson and Serna to arrive.