"Your Highness, is it about the Princess?" he asks.
Nikolai flinches slightly at the directness of the question, a momentary flicker of surprise crossing his face.
He quickly masks it, not wanting to admit the truth even to himself. "No, it's not that," he replies, but his voice lacks its usual firmness and conviction. He shifts uncomfortably, avoiding his assistant's penetrating gaze.
Eugene leans back slightly, a knowing smile playing on his lips. His eight years of close service to the Crown Prince have given him an acute understanding of Nikolai's moods and mannerisms.
"Well, I heard that the Princess has woken up," he begins, observing Nikolai's reaction closely. ""But.." he pauses for effect, knowing the Crown Prince well enough to anticipate his response.
Nikolai's eyes flicker with interest, and he involuntarily leans forward. "But?" he prompts, his tone sharp and impatient.
