It was getting late and Mueller hadn't seen the Prince in hours, which was concerning at best. With any luck he was still in his study (perhaps alarming in its own right), but Aidios help him if he'd gotten himself into trouble again.

He knocked at the study door and waited. No response. Pursed lips and bracing himself for an empty room, he opened the door and felt momentary surprise. Prince Olivert sat at his desk, head pillowed on his arms and a faint smile on his face. Relief mingled with mild worry. It was nowhere near the worst case scenario Mueller could imagine and his dedication to his plans, while not always apparent was admirable. Still, there were limits and his well-being was of importance as well, especially with such an opponent.

He walked softly up to the desk and gave Olivert's shoulder a gentle shake.

Olivert made a muttered half garbled sound and raised his head. "My boon companion, love of my," he started to say sleepily.

"Wake up."

Olivert blinked and smiled. "I'm awake as can be!"

But look fatigued, Mueller added mentally. "You should get some real sleep in bed."

"Hmm, I suppose sleep's gentle caress caught up sooner than I expected." Some of his smile seemed to fade as he looked over the reports and blueprints scattered across his desk.

"Is something wrong?"

"No… everything is moving along smoothly. The Courageous will be a splendid vessel. I have a meeting with Vandyck soon. Ahh, to return to my old school! But, I wonder. Is it all going a bit too smoothly?"

"You're worried about Osbourne?"

"Indeed. He seems to have given me the pleasure of leading this particular dance."

Mueller frowned. "Perhaps he's not worried about it or has plans of his own to enact in retaliation."

"My thoughts exactly. Neither option is to our advantage." He sighed lightly. "I suppose there's naught to do but keep moving forward and looking ahead. And, I can hardly complain of things going smoothly. I have much to look forward to!"

"Still, it's early. Better to be cautious."

Olivert started tidying up his papers. "Certainly. I have no intention of letting him get the better of me again so soon."

Once finished he rose to his feet and nodded to the door. "This 'debaucherous prince' still has some cards up his sleeve," he said as they crossed the room together.

"As long as you don't get caught with them," Mueller replied.

"Come now, I'm a better gambler than that!"

"But as you say," Olivert added, "sleep beckons, ever the temptress." He paused, his hand on the door and looked over his shoulder. "Care to join me, love?"

Mueller sighed. So close to an escape, yet ever so far. "I'll pass."

"Another merciless denial!"

"Good night," he replied firmly.

"Good night, my friend."