[Plot] Royal Audience

[Nika Novak]

Nika is wearing her finest dress uniform as she steps out of the cab. Golden epaulets, gold trim and buttons, polished boots. She even has her ceremonial sword hanging at her hip, chain hooked over the hand-guard as a polite show of trust and respect. She marches straight into the hotel lobby and to the reception desk.

"I know Prince Alex of Sablinova is staying at your establishment. Please inform His Lordship that Lieutenant Nika Novak of the Royal Guard of House Karkov of Symkaria is here to request an audience."

[Narrator]

Prince Alex of Sablinova is NOT the one who comes down to meet Nika at the reception desk.

Instead, a large man in a modern business suit came down from the elevator, striding towards Nika with purpose. Only the cufflinks on his left sleeve would indicate him as part of the Symkarian military; an incognito mark that Nika would quickly recognize.

[Nika Novak]

Nika stands at attention, not that it differs much from her regular posture, but refrains from saluting. For one because she's not sure the man outranks her but also because he's clearly undercover to some degree.

"<Good afternoon, Sir.>" she greets him in Symkarian.

[Narrator]

<"Lieutenant Novak. Why, if I wasn't mistaken, I would have thought we were about to undergo inspection. What can we do for you today?">

[Nika Novak]

"<I have some important -and rather delicate- matters to discuss with His Lordship regarding his courtship of Her Royal Highness. I can return when it is convenient for him to see me.>"

[Narrator]

The man glanced over Nika's shoulder for a brief second -- a glance most people wouldn't have noticed.

<"I'm sure you're aware that the Prince is busy preparing for his rendezvous with Her Royal Highness at the moment. I would be happy to deliver any message you may have, however...">

[Nika Novak]

"<Tell him I know about the rumors regarding Katarina and that his rendezvous isn't going to sway someone as stubborn as the Crown Princess. Tell him he needs my help. I will wait.>"

[Narrator]

The guard looked back over Nika's shoulder for a second, and then nodded.

<"Very well. Come with me.">

The Symkarians were in what passed for a fancy suite in Maldon -- basically three separate rooms that opened up into one another. The Prince stood, looking out the window, back turned to the others as Nika was shown in.

<"I present Lt. Nika Novak, of the Royal Household, Your Highness.">

[Nika Novak]

"<Your Lordship.>" Nika says, standing at attention before bowing. "<I appreciate you taking the time to grant me an audience.>"

[Alex Sablinova]

<"I always have time for a loyal steward of House Karkov.

Now. What it is it I can do for you, Lieutenant?>" Alex asked, turned around and smirking.

[Nika Novak]

"<I want to help you with your courtship of Katarina. Being here has put questionable ideas in her head that are as ill-fated as her idea of remaining incognito without an alias. Perhaps more-so. She... needs a reminder of her responsibilities and what's at stake.>"

[Alex Sablinova]

<"What help could her bodyguard give, that a member of one of the royal houses could not have on their own?">

[Nika Novak]

"<I am with her every day. Even if she doesn't listen to me much, I know things. Such as the fact that she is simply stringing you along for appearances sake. She's enamored with somebody else she met at the school. Somebody... wholly inappropriate.>" she adds with a glance at the other bodyguard. "<You won't win her over by standing above her other eligible suitors if her eyes are somewhere else entirely.>"

[Alex Sablinova]

<"Inappropriate in which way, lieutenant?"> Prince Alex said, as he casually examined his fingernails.

[Nika Novak]

"<Her name is Jezabelle Sherlock.>" she says curtly, wrists crossed in the small of her back as she stands at attention.

[Alex Sablinova]

Alex's face paled, slightly.

<"...And you have proof of this?">

[Nika Novak]

"<You'll have to take my word for it for now, but it'd be trivial to get in my position...>" she says, voice wavering a little. It's not treason, but it doesn't feel great. Katarina trusts her and she's betraying that trust. But for a good reason, right? For a brighter future? For Symkaria.

[Alex Sablinova]

<"I will need that, of course, at quickly as realistically possible,"> Alex said, musing this over. <"There have been...rumors, about the princess, of course. Talks about why she was so coy and reluctant. But I would never believe...">

[Nika Novak]

"<I didn't either. I can rely you're not going to go public with this?>"

[Alex Sablinova]

<"That would...not be prudent at this point in time. We would not want a scandal.">

[Nika Novak]

"<I have your word on it?>"

[Alex Sablinova]

<"Are you questioning a Prince of Symkaria, Lieutenant?">

[Nika Novak]

"<Not at all, but I do need to hear you say it.>"

[Alex Sablinova]

<"As I said, it would not be prudent for me to reveal this information at this point in time,"> the Prince said. <"You will have to be satisfied with that.">

[Nika Novak]

<"Very well. You'll have your evidence by tonight. And you didn't get it from me.">

[Alex Sablinova]

<"You have my word that if any repercussions happen, the Sablinovas will protect you.">

[Nika Novak]

A frown briefly twitches across Nika's face.

"<Thanks, your Lordship.>"

[Alex Sablinova]

<"You are doing a great thing for your country, Lieutenant. Long live the glory of Symkaria.">

[Nika Novak]

"<Long live the glory of Symkaria!>" Nika responds, closed fist snapping against her chest before she turns around to leave.