Ashe huffed in frustration as she searched through her draws and cupboards. She must have been through them all at least ten times already. Eventually, she relented.
"Okay, just what have you done with them?"
The smirking Sky Pirate she was addressing was still lying in bed, watching the Queen with increasing enjoyment.
"What have I done with what?" He asked innocently, inspecting his nails. Ashe just scowled at him.
"Exactly what would Fran say if she knew you were putting all your well honed pirating skills to such good use by stealing and hiding my underwear!" Balthier thought about it for a moment.
"I think she'd approve." He decided, lacing his hands behind his head and grinning at her. Ashe let out a snort of annoyance and pulled the robe she was wearing tighter, trying not to let her eyes linger on his bare chest. It was times like this she wished he wore a shirt in bed. It was difficult to stay mad at him when she was eyeing him up at the same time.
"You are so infuriating." She grumbled. "You couldn't have left me just one pair?" Balthier just gave her a look.
"Ashe, I have made my thoughts on your underwear perfectly clear, it is evil and must be destroyed. This is simply a peaceful protest." He finished, and snuggled down into the pillows.
Ashe looked to the skies for strength. She crossed the room to him, offering Balthier fleeting glimpses of her lovely long legs as they flashed through her robe with her strides. When she reached him, she took his wrists and pinned them down either side of his head. The look he gave her at the move was positively salacious. Ashe was having none of it however, and looked him dead in the eye.
"Balthier, where are my underpants? I have a busy day and I can't leave this room until I am dressed, and I can't get dressed until I have my underwear!" Balthier gave her false look of sympathy.
"Well, I guess that puts you in a bit of a pickle then, my dear. Looks like you're just going to have to stay here." He reached up and tried to kiss her but she jerked her head away and let him go.
"Just remind me why I love you again?" She asked, rhetorically. Balthier only lounged in the bed and gave her a cat-like grin.
"If you stay here with me I'll be happy to show you." He purred. Ashe had to turn away from him. It was incredibly tempting and if she looked at him she might just give in.
Instead, she bit her lip and thought. She could see only one reasonable course of action open too her.
"Alright." She decided, and went into the dressing room leaving Balthier alone and slightly put out. To his disappointment, when she emerged she was fully dressed. He eyed her suspiciously.
"How are you doing that?" He knew she couldn't have found any of the garments he had hidden, he was far too good. Ashe flashed him a triumphant smile.
"Well, as I couldn't wear my own underwear I went with the next best thing." She leaned over and whispered in his ear. "I'm wearing yours." Balthier felt his jaw drop as she straightened up. "Well, I thought I may as well put them to some use considering you hardly ever seem to wear them." She said matter-of-factly. He looked up at her in amazement.
"Oh, now you have to show me!" He said, surprised by how turned on he was with the idea. Ashe managed to dance out his reach, however.
"Perhaps I will later tonight, but only for the return of mine." Balthier smirked at her.
"You drive a hard bargain, Princess." He agreed with a nod, and Ashe blew him a kiss and left the room.
A short while later, as Ashe was taking a meeting with one of her Councillors, a messenger entered and handed her a note. She glanced at it quickly and had to press her hand to her mouth to hold back her laugh.
Very funny, Princess! It read. Now just where have you put all my trousers?!
Ashe smirked to herself. After all, two could play that game.