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If Philip wasn’t looking quite so concerned he would have rolled his eyes at Caitrin’s pout. Since he’d decided she was more of a pathway than a final destination she was becoming more and more annoying. Unfortunately he needed to keep her onside if his plan was to work. He’d rather just tell her to stop being so bloody over dramatic and be done with it. But, alas, he had to continue being charming and continue to act as though he actually cared about the fact that her relationship with the Aubert boy might find itself in a rather precarious position. And obviously he was only wanting what was best for her by telling her so. Sometimes he surprised himself by how thoughtful and considerate he could be.

He couldn’t help but smile slightly at her words. Despite the fact that they both knew that she was betrothed – although what she saw in him, Philip was yet to understand, still he supposed they wouldn’t be spoiling anyone else – and that she shouldn’t be talking to him at all, especially not in the way that she was, and yet she’d be disappointed if he was saying he was leaving. It was rather sweet, or it would be if he liked the girl. But it was a rather nice ego boost (not that he particularly needed one but it was there all the same).

He sighed, trying to look as though this was not going to be an easy thing for him to say to her. For a few seconds he chewed on his bottom lip, for the image of course, he wasn’t in the habit of doing it usually. “No, I’m, I’m not leaving.” He replied, walking a few steps away from her and looked down at the floor. “I don’t know how best to tell you this so I’m just going to say it.” He looked up at her for a second or two before lowering his head again. “A few weeks ago I went back to Glouchedon on business. I had to make a delivery to Corneous Aubert,” he paused, “Griff’s father.” There was another pause, as though he couldn’t quite bring himself to say the next part. “So, naturally, we were discussing Griff and his father mentioned...his father mentioned a woman. I can’t remember her name at the moment,” he waved his hand dismissively, “But the fact is they are betrothed. Have been for some time as far as I can gather, arranged of course, but all the same. His father won’t let him not marry her. I’m sorry, Cait, I really am.”

Philip watched carefully as the young woman tried the wine, in his experience it was often easier to get the daughters of rich men on side. They were the best ones to persuade their fathers after all. If the princess was pleased, surely her father would be pleased also. It could be a present, a rather expensive present to keep his darling daughter happy. She wasn’t giving anything away though as she made her way back to her seat, neither did Philip as he looked back at her father. He relaxed a little as the king smiled – not that there had really been much danger that he wouldn’t make a sale.

A celebration? Normally Philip would refuse such an invitation – one should never mix business with pleasure, but then normally such business was a little more fun. A celebration was probably something he needed, the practice before going back to Camelot. There was a certain redhead he found himself missing...well, not exactly missing. He didn’t miss anyone. Anyway. The king was expecting an answer. He smiled, looking at the king with a mixture of modesty and gratitude – a well practiced look. “It would be an honour, sire.” His gaze found the servant and he gave a small nod. “I cannot express my gratitude enough, thank you, sire.”

Although Philip was still spending time with Caitrin de Archer and still treating her as he always had, he had long since stopped caring about her. His attentions had waned. She was no longer an object of interest herself, but rather simply a pawn in a much larger game. A more sentimental man would think her naivety quite endearing, but then a more sentimental man probably wouldn’t be in this position in the first place. But none of that mattered to Philip. He was in the middle of a plan and so was rather single minded at present. He supposed that he had to give Caitrin one thing: she was useful, if a little full of her own self-import. She seemed to think he actually cared about her – yes, that was the point but it was still very irritating. Usually, he found the whole thing amusing, but he’d tired of her somewhat. The only reason why he hadn’t just stopped bothering with her altogether was her relationship with the Aubert boy.

It was all rather fortunate really. Philip had been begrudgingly sent for by Corneous Aubert. It wasn’t enough that the man held his father’s lands, Philip’s lands, now he wanted his custom as well. Normally, Philip would not have bothered. His sense of pride was far greater than his desire for money. Last time however was different because last time he’d seen the Aubert boy. He’d been given an opportunity. It was easy enough to get the conversation with Corneous to Griff – how was he and how was Lucan and had Griff by any chance formed an attachment with a young lady...? Philip had shrugged and Corneous had told him everything he’d needed to know. He’d even presented him with the Lady Eirian to take back to Camelot with him. It was times like these that Philip was quite unable to believe his luck.

Obviously, he did not show these feelings – it was something he didn’t do anyway but certainly not in such circumstances. He was supposed to be being concerned and sympathetic, not pleased that he’d found a way to make one of the Auberts suffer. It was no surprise then that he did not match Caitrin’s grin. “I’m afraid disappointing you is exactly what I’m going to do. There’s something you need to know.”

This was the first time Philip de Calmot had set foot in Gwent, and he was yet to decide what he thought about the place. It was certainly a thriving place for trade which was probably something Philip would appreciate more if he wasn’t part of it. Despite his experience (and the fact that this was just something he had to get on with), he was yet to become used to it and was certainly never going to enjoy it. No one understood how humiliating it was for a man like him – a man who should have status, wealth and power – to have to introduce himself to his social equals and betters as a merchant, a man in trade, a man who spend his life trying to win their good favour and custom.

But, this was not the time for that sort of negative thinking. He was here, as always, for business, which meant he had to be the personification of charm. That shouldn’t be too taxing. Royalty, he had often thought, were easier than nobles. They were less arrogant, more aware of their own importance but also aware that everyone already knew this and so didn’t feel the need to tell everyone. It shouldn’t be terribly difficult to convince Princess Isadora that his wine was the only wine worth having. He might resent his trade, but he was good. It was with confidence that he looked over the table he had set up – each bottle lined up, equally spaced and with a few goblets beside it. He didn’t actually know how many people would be in attendance so it was better to be overly prepared.

Everything else was simple. The wine was the highest of quality, as was his skills as a tradesman so there was nothing to do but wait until a servant entered the room to announce Isadora. Philip immediately dropped into a bow. “Your highness.” Presumably she was doing this alone then. Well, that would certainly make the task a lot easier. Philip never had trouble with people anyway, but he was even better with the fairer sex, especially when they were alone.

Philip had let himself in as usual, but was rather surprised to see Caitrin was only just coming down the stairs. Hadn't she bothered to see the Aubert boy off? Speaking of, he would have to find out exactly what he'd been doing here. Philip would hate to think there were unsavoury goings on in the de Archer household in his absence - especially if Aubert was involved.

He shuddered at the thought, or at least he would if he wasn't already seeing this as an oppurtunity. Almost everything was seen as an oppurtunity to Philip - that was what happened when you had hardly a penny to you name, but plenty of unresolved issues. It was the principle of the thing - not that Philip really knew all that much about principles. The Auberts had ruined his family, so of course he was going to return the favour. And now, by some happy coincidence, it seemed Caitrin de Archer of all people could be of use. He knew there was a reason he bothered with her.

Caitrin was no less eager than she usually was. A more territorial man might be offended. She'd only just left the company of one man, and now she was sizing up another. Perhaps it was purely because of who the other man was that Philip was an Aubert and he could twist this to his own advantage. Unfortunately, this meant putting up with what she probably thought was some endearing wit of hers - hence that annoying smirk. Well, he was in no mood to play these games. Normally he would at least put up with them - Caitrin was someone who liked to think she was in control, even though she never was - but he wanted to know what exactly the Aubert boy was doing here.

"I think you know what," he returned the suggestion heavy in his voice. He paused, a small smirk forming on his lips, head tilted slightly. He bit his lip, looking her up and down but a second later he'd stepped away from her and raised his eyebrows. "But it seems I'm a little late for that."

Philip was certain that he had never met a young woman with so much confidence in herself before. Of course there were always those two tried to tempt him, who tried to play him, and, just like Caitrin they all failed. But none of them had tried with such vigour, such complete belief in their own allure and irresistability. Caitrin was a woman who was used to getting her own way, but she seemed to be a woman who acheived that simply by being handed whatever it she desired. And while Philip was also used to getting his own way, he was the one that got it. He had acquired the necessary skills in his childhood, she had acquired a heightened opinion of herself. Well, there was always something to be done about that.

He did not reply to her words, he'd let her have this victory. She would be far too pleased with herself for having rendered him speechless that she just would not be able to keep her guard as firm as it should be. Oh dear. Yes, this victory was hers on the surface, but Philip was not a man to be so easily amused. Their flirtations and innuendoes was not his endgame, neither was seeing such innuendoes in fruition. No, he was not concerned about that at all. He was carving a much slower path for himself, but one with much sweeter rewards.

The girl did not seem to notice him faulter, or if she had it had been quickly dismissed. He had not given himself away, nor had he put her off her advances. Then again, she was a stubborn thing. No doubt she would see any reluctance on his part as a challenge. How naive she was - a lamb tempting a lion. And tempting she was certainly doing...he could feel her hand on him, though he dared not look down. He bit his lip, determined that this wasn't going to affect him, that he was not about to be undone by the damned girl. His own fingers were twitching again, and he squeezed them together because this was not going to affect him. He just needed to concentrate, to block it all out, to not give the game away.

One...two...three...four...five...six...seven...eight...nine...ten. He let out a small breath, one he'd been containing as he counted. He was Philip de Calmot and he was not so easily undone. "Why Lady de Archer," he began, forcing a smirk onto his lips, forcing himself to ignore her hands and not letting himself look at them, "Surely you are not suggesting such intimacies outside...I never expected such an exhibitionist in you." There, he was fine, he was in control.

Caitrin was rather full of herself, it was quite amusing really. He supposed she thought she was some great seductress and he was completely in her power, bending to her will as soon as she smiled and batted her eyelids. Philip was not so easily won. If anything the reverse was true. It was she was playing right into his hands, all the while naive enough to believe herself to be in control. How interesting. He leant forward, playing the game, "I warn you though...my expectations are rather high..." This was all rather easy, but then playing people was what he did. He was bound to be incredibly good at it.

He felt her fingers brush against his again, felt his own tingle at the contact. He looked down, an immediate, uncontrollable reaction. Her fingers were so close to his own, so soft and smooth and the way the light played around their curves... For a moment he was completely taken in by them, his lips parted slightly, all thoughts disappeared as he watched those delicate fingers moving against his own. They were going to undo him.

Her words snapped him out of it, he felt embarrassed, frustrated and annoyed at himself, angry at her and caught off balance. It was not a pleasant mixture of feelings, a cocktail he had no desire to feel again. He pulled his hand away quickly, keeping them both behind his back, a wrist firmly clasped to prevent them from moving. Caitrin was expecting an answer, more than that, she was expecting a continuation of her fliting. He needed to compose himself. He tightened his grip on his wrist, started counting in his head...one...two...three...and he was fine. He was in control again. He knew what he was doing. "I completely agree," he finally replied, an easy smile on his face, "And what would you have in mind?"

Philip was a little surprised by the formality of the event. Obviously he had known he was doing business with a king, but he hadn't been expecting to speak with the actual king. Usually such men just let their servants deal with everything. Maybe he wanted to conduct the business himself so he could be sure of getting exactly what he wanted, which seemed fair enough to Philip, but it was still surprising that his wife and daughter were also present.

He inclined his head towards the queen as she was introduced, and repeated the action as the daughter was. This was the first time since entering the room he had given her much attention - she was certainly pretty, no doubt all the men at court were declaring their love for her. It seemed no matter where he went people were all the same, which was rather fortunate for him really. He understood people and their ways, and how to make them do as he pleased. But enough of that for now, he was only here to make a sale.

"I have indeed heard such talk sire, and hope what I offer lives up to expectation." He turned his head to look at Struan, raising his eyebrows at the man to signal him over. The servant did as he was bid and carried the wine casket over, setting it on the ground next to Philip and started opening it. "I must confess though that I am at a complete loss as to what you would prefer so I have brought you my finest collection. If you find something you like I shall be happy to make an order for you."

Pip could not say for certain how long he had been watching the girl, the timing of these things hardly mattered. He'd been watching her for long enough, head tilted slightly to the side, a faint smile across his lips. He would be quite happy to let her entertain him for a moment or two, after all, he had nothing better to do. As he continued to watch, his gaze began to drop to her hands, working with such precision as she played the lute...he quickly stopped himself, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Self-control was in order. One...two...three...he opened his eyes again. It was only a few seconds before he was spotted. She looked...almost embarrassed at first, but quickly managed to compose herself. Pip was mildly impressed.

“I didn’t expect my command to be followed so swiftly. So, what are you? Harper, piper or fiddler?”

The smile on his lips grew, and he leant further into the door, head resting against the door frame. Something was telling him this was not going to be difficult. He briefly considered answering that he was a fiddler - there were enough connotations there, but he changed his mind. The girl seemed rather confident, it would be interesting to see just how far that confidence went. He pushed himself away from the door, walking a few steps up to her, his smile now turning into a smirk, "Which would you prefer?"