The dinner was more awkward than ever before.

Kati was wearing a thick dress, which reminded of an armor.

Karakan noticed it too and looked at Ingrid accusingly.

They were eating in silence. No questions, nor small-talk.

Just when Karakan put his fork down, footsteps rang out from the hall.

Sigfrid arrived with 2 accompaniment.

-You can leave me now.-Said Sigfrid to the soldiers.

As the tall northern noticed the uneasy atmosphere, he slowed down his steps.

He was hesitating where to sit, but then he smiled and sat next to Katica.

The girl blushed.

-Sooo...did you have some fun while I was away?-Asked Sig with a wide smile and drank from Katica's glass. The girl stayed silent and didn't looked up from the food.

Sigfrid touched Kati's chin and turned her face to him.

-What is it my Ladybug, you are particularly quiet today. Did something happened?

Ingrid tried to keep calm and show a matured face while she was watching the happening.

Karakan seemed to be the most relaxed in the dining hall.

Numerous servant stood by the walls.

"Come on Kati say something, act naturally..." -Prayed in herself Ingrid.

-Umm...nothing, just...-She started and touched Sig's hand. She looked into Sigfrid's eye as sensually as she did in the morning to mine.-I missed you.-She said.

Her face was all red. Sigfrid was surprised and couldn't fully hide his excitement.

He pulled back his hand and started to eat, but then he looked back to the girl to know if he really got the "signals" right.

-Haha..I see...-He said and looked down while he stuffed a big meat in his mouth.-Okay...Hmm...

He put down the fork and knife and looked at the girl again. She was still staring at him.

-Did you mean...?-He whispered, and stopped when Kati bit in her lips and sighed.

Karakan started to cough, like someone choking on something. Ingrid could hardly keep back her grinning.

The southern prince stopped coughing and turned his head away from the couple.

"So you noticed the subtle meaning too." Smiled in herself Ingrid and for a moment her gaze met with Karakan's.

-Okay...umm. How about you wait eey... in YOUR room...and we can discuss things when I've finished eating. -Said Sigfrid to Kati.

-Alright then, I will wait for you there.-She said and stood up right away. She bowed with a mild smile and walked away.

Now just the three princes left at the long table. Sig sat in the middle almost in front of Ingrid, Karakan at the end of the table.

Ingrid was sweating like a pig under her tight uniform.

-Khmm.. So. How went the quest Karakan?

-Thank you for asking PRINCE Sigfrid, everything went smoothly...and how went the VISIT? Did you managed to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood?

-Yes PRInce Karakan, now I am more familiar with the vicinity.

-I am glad to hear that. You should consider to stick to the palace from now on for a while. It wouldn't do any good for your future reputation, if those unpleasant gossips spread around, don't you think?

-Gossips? I don't know what are you talking about khmm...

-No? Then...I may suggest you to stop visiting the most notorious kips..at least in this town.

-Khmm...These are mean accusations only!...Of course I will do my utmost best to erase these unwanted tittle-tattles...-Said Sigfrid while he was stuffing the food in his mouth.

-I am happy to hear that...now if you please excuse me, I still have things to arrange. I hope you didn't forget the coronation ceremony tomorrow night.

-I heard it from my soldiers already, thank you!-Said Sigfrid with full mouth and red face.

-I see. Enjoy your meal.-Bowed Karakan.-If you excuse me...-He said and blinked at Ingrid. He walked out.

When he left, Sigfrid chewed the last bit and dropped the knife onto his plate.

-Uhwaa. This weirdo! Doesn't he have physical needs? Or maybe he's lecturing me because he's into me. Ah at least you aren't bugging me brother.

Ingrid waited a little bit with the answer, so Sig could finish the next bite.

-Why would he be into you? Not everybody fall for you... and he was right...-She started. -What if you impregnate a peasant? You should be more careful.

-I heard he had affairs with guys too...Don't tell me what to do!...not YOU TOO! And anyway, nobody would get a child from me, only if I wanted to!

-Isn't the princess enough? She is more prettier than those whores you usually have sex with.

-Owhoo! Haha, what do I hear?! How can YOU know that you...YOU TODDLER!...but you know what?- He wiped his mouth with a silk serviette then tossed it on his plate.-MAYBE she can fulfill my needs after all... Did you see how she looked at me? -He asked standing up and pointing the finger on Ingrid.

-You are getting too loud here...-She said him and put down the utensils.

-I'M GONNA F*CK HER! I don't even know why I snap over our talk all the time when you can't even imagine where to put in your d*ck to a woman! I feel sorry for you...YOUU...!

-PRINCE SIGFRID! Could you please espy your current action? Look around for a second!

-...Well...Good night...BROther!-He said then walked away.

...

Ingrid was sitting alone at the table. Her throat was shaking, so she forced some wine down to cool her head.

It was silent again.

Ingrid was deeply in her thoughts when she came-back to reality. Karakan's dogs were licking her knee. One of it put it's huge head on her lap.

Ingrid fondled it's head.

She breathed in a little courage so she could walk away with dignity.

The servants were standing like statues around the place, waiting for her to leave.

...

The dogs were following Ingrid on the corridor, and laid down in front of her suite's wall.

Ingrid stepped in and closed the door. She walked to the basin to refresh herself. She didn't know if the situation or the wine made her face so hot.

She stared at the window, where a silhouette was standing.

-Is that you Karakan?- She asked.

The figure didn't move at all, it was unnaturally rigid.

-It's full moon.-He said.

-I thought you are a curtain.-She said to him and started to unbutton her west.

-Phmm... Sorry if I startled you.-He turned around.

-I actually get used to it by now...-She said while getting off her shirt.

-You know that I can see in the dark right?-He said and the girl looked up. Her childish flat chest was naked. His eyes were glowing yellow in the dark. -Aren't you shy? -He continued.

-It's fine until you don't look when I'm naked belo'-mmy waist.

-Hmm... I see. Then don't mind me.-He said and sat down to the nearby armchair.

He was staring at her.

-So i guess...-She started while continued to take off her clothes.-You are here to ask about your sister's well-being...

-Since then, I changed my mind. I don't want to be involved in pity romances...

-Yes, that applies to me too...-She said while she took off her trousers and she only left the underwear on. -...but I think now that Sig is here it will be fine...

-You think so? -He asked slowly.

Ingrid looked up again and stopped for a second. "Why do I feel still uneasiness in his voice?"

-Yes...anyway...-Ingrid opened the fancy cabinet to search for a clean short. She couldn't see anything in the dark. -I hope you calmed down by now...

-I just don't understand one thing...-He said suddenly standing by her side.

-Woa, you're startling me... -Said the girl as she forgot that the other prince is a supernatural creature.

-What role do you have in this? Did you fall in love with my sister?

-What? No! Of course not!-Said Ingrid and turned away. "Why he, of them all who asks this?!"

-Really?

-Yes, really.-She answered still showing her back to him.

-Okay...kid.

-Kid?...-She was turning around, when he rubbed his hand through the girl's hair and appeared at the door.

-Don't overdo it though. I don't think she will be interested in you from now on....

-What?! What are you...

-Good night.

-Wait! You mis...

-Cerbi, Cecil we'r goin'.

-Wai...!

He disappeared.

"Oh no...does he think, I am in love with his sister?! ... but maybe it's for the best."