Brandir was just about to find an excuse to delay when Amberser, as if seeing through his heart, said with a smile, "Rest assured, Master Sunda, I harbor no improper thoughts towards Her Majesty Catherine, you need not treat me as a rival in love."
Brandir's face turned red, and he said excitedly, "What did you say?! Where did you hear such a thing?"
Amberser feigned surprise and said, "What, you don't fancy Her Majesty Catherine? Or did I mistakenly believe a rumor?"
Grinding his teeth, Brandir could neither deny nor admit the accusation. He knew he hadn't been discreet when pursuing Queen Catherine and there were bound to be rumors, but he didn't expect they would spread so fast that even a foreign envoy had heard.
Amberser continued, "Master Sunda, not only have I heard that you are pursuing Queen Catherine, but I also heard you were rejected and haven't been able to see the Elf Queen for several days now, right?"
