He laughed gleefully, shaking his head in a half-hearted attempt to subdue the noise – a nearby guard has already administered a judgemental look, and though it was of no consequence, Nicolás did not want to be the centre of attention. When his amusement had died down to a manageable level, he sipped his glass of water. “That was quite something, wherever did you learn it, Your Majesty? I hope you don’t mind if I repeat it myself sometime in the future, it would make a remarkable conversation starter, I imagine.”

It would have been wrong of him to criticise the other man for being found alone ( and not to mention in a foreign country, at a time of deep tension ) at night, and so to avoid the crime of hypocrisy Nicolás simply cleared his throat to make the other aware of his presence before he fell into step at his side. “It seems we’ve chosen the right night for a walk Sire, though it is far less humid than it would be at home.” A pause. “That, I miss greatly despite it apparently denying logic.” He regarded the male at his side for a brief moment, tucking the papers in hand under his arm. “I received a letter from an advisor back in Spain earlier today, I could bring it to you tomorrow morning if you wish to see it for yourself, or write a report upon it if you’d prefer a more concise task.”

Nicolás beamed in greeting, the expression followed by a respectful dip of his head. “My Lady, you look simply divine tonight,” he paused, plucking two glasses of claret from a nearby table to offer one to his present company. “I seem to have misjudged the formality of this party and the dress required, so I hope you do not mind if I hide behind you for the remainder of the night.” It was not the first time, for he had not been brought up learning of the ins and outs of fine dress or events, but he did not mind as much as one might initially think. Laughing, he took a sip of his drink. “I only wish I could tell you I was joking.” He was – of course, but a bit of light jest would certainly not go amiss in an event as dull as this one seemed to be.

“No, no. I am entirely to blame for my own disposition. -- Alright, so perhaps not entirely; there are other factors at hand, but nonetheless, I am in control of it. Would you like a drink, Your Majesty? I fear I’m going to need one.”

“unfortunately, that’s precisely what it is. though i know that there are a few people hereabouts that are indeed working to ensure that will be the last of it.” even if the pessimist ( or perhaps realist ) within him, knew they were likely the minority. “i would suggest visiting puerto rico instead of spain, next time.” nicolás offered a bright smile, chuckling quietly. “but as you probably noticed, my accent is very spanish, though far from the standard you’d find within spain. i’m glad for it, though. i’ve never been to italy, though i’ve read enough to know i’m undoubtedly missing out -- perhaps there’ll be a future opportunity.”

“That is… not an uncommon way for things to turn out, as much as it pains me to say.” Perhaps that was because his love for life was too much; though admittedly he was not afraid of death. He never had been, and not for any particular reason other than the fact that it would eventually happen – perhaps with no warning, perhaps with some. “Though I suppose if one is suffering, one would prefer it. I don’t think I personally would, but I’ve never been in that position so I couldn’t say anything with much authority.”

“what of it?” he repeated incredulously, brows drawn together and features the picture of confusion. “if you feel you’ve lost your heart that is a very big thing; in my mind, at least. do you truly feel that way?” a pause, nicolás frown deepened with concern for the woman before him; maria was too young to feel such a thing, though he supposed there was no such thing. emotions did not discriminate at all, let alone based on age. he reached to take both of her hands in his own, administering a soft squeeze. “you know i am here if you’d like to talk, mija.” 

he had expected as much in answer; though he was not disappointed for himself, nicolás was more than happy to distance himself from the war, but rather worried that sebastian was going to do himself damage. chewing his bottom lip idly for a moment, he turned to admire the side of the woods he’d just walked through from a distance. “if only it was the last of it.” a small smile formed, which only grew a few moments later. “i live in spain now, but i’m originally from puerto rico. i’ve been told my accent hasn’t changed all too much, and i’m glad for it. i shouldn’t like to forget where i came from, it makes me who i am.”

in return, maria was the closest thing he had to a daughter -- he’d always wanted children, but it had yet to happen; and this made him wonder if it would happen at all. regardless, he told himself it wouldn’t matter; maria was more than enough to fulfil the hole in his heart. nicolás’s features lit up with another smile at the sight of one across maria’s face. “oh, i would not survive a day.” he placed a hand over his heart in jest. “well, that’s almost a given when it comes to nobility. with my being the exception, naturally; because i was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. but i’m glad to hear that you’ve found people you love in germany!” he paused, eyebrows risen in surprise. “only yesterday? i hope you’re not too tired after the journey, mija.”