Al had no doubts about Edmund's chastity -- or lack thereof. Really. No proof needed, majesty.
Still. Despite his conflicted emotions, he recognized how rare it was for a steward to be placed in this position. Even Queen Lucy, who unfailingly treated the palace staff as friends more than servants, didn't breach the bonds of familiarity like this. Edmund was addressing him as an equal. Not a valet, or a steward, or even a friend. As a partner. Al swallowed, forcing himself to remain even.
"The prince is here to form an alliance. Terebinthia and Narnia have long treated together, but it's not -- unheard of to secure that relationship with marriage. What if the prince were to treat for one of your sisters' hands? How could he, if you and he --" Al froze. He couldn't just straight out say it, could he? Even if he knew what Edmund was planning, and even if Edmund knew, then Edmund would know he knew, and --
"What I mean to say, your highness, is that a certain level of propriety is neccessary. When dealing with fellow sovereigns." And stewards. And in general.
And if Al hadn't just come off as sounding like even more of a stuffy stick-in-the-mud...
no subject
Still. Despite his conflicted emotions, he recognized how rare it was for a steward to be placed in this position. Even Queen Lucy, who unfailingly treated the palace staff as friends more than servants, didn't breach the bonds of familiarity like this. Edmund was addressing him as an equal. Not a valet, or a steward, or even a friend. As a partner. Al swallowed, forcing himself to remain even.
"The prince is here to form an alliance. Terebinthia and Narnia have long treated together, but it's not -- unheard of to secure that relationship with marriage. What if the prince were to treat for one of your sisters' hands? How could he, if you and he --" Al froze. He couldn't just straight out say it, could he? Even if he knew what Edmund was planning, and even if Edmund knew, then Edmund would know he knew, and --
"What I mean to say, your highness, is that a certain level of propriety is neccessary. When dealing with fellow sovereigns." And stewards. And in general.
And if Al hadn't just come off as sounding like even more of a stuffy stick-in-the-mud...