To my left I saw Jared tense minutely. “What are you doing out today?” the Prince asked cordially.

“I am out shopping with my good friend,” I emphasized ‘good’, “Monsieur Jared Dautry.” I did not miss the intrigued, almost mischievous, glint in the Prince’s eyes.

“Bonjour, monsieur Dautry.”

“Bonjour, altesse,” Jared greeted curtly.

“Oh, s’il vous plait, call me Andrien,” the Prince requested, practically flirtatiously. Jared didn’t seem to know how to respond, so I filled in for him.

“What brings you to town this afternoon, altesse?”

“I like to fraternize with the common folk. I like to see them look down their noses at me.” Their was something in his voice I couldn’t quite understand, but Jared seemed to comprehend completely.

“Why should anyone look down on you, alte-Andrien?” He wondered sincerely. The Prince gave him a contemplating look.

“Do you?”

“No.” Jared looked him straight in the eye and the Prince smiled.

“Then do not worry about it, friend.” Then the Prince excused himself and was gone.