"Yes, thank you," Cassian returned, "that stint of illness was...odd." He didn't have reason to suspect a potion or a curse, but then again he was king; maybe he had every reason. Nothing had been pinpointed, though, and he was mostly better now o he would move on. There was too much to do to waste time dallying.

"I've caught word you return to Arynn Frey tonight." He paused, as if waiting for confirmation, and if it came then he would continue; if it didn't, he'd continue anyway.

"There is a delicate matter I wished to discuss with you. Will you join me in walking?"

Cassian took a few silent steps before beginning.

"I want to preface what I have to say by making it clear that I highly respect your mother and the alliance that is held between Arynn Frey and Nevermere. It is my desire that our kingdoms have a long, rich future together." He glanced towards Akagi, before returning his gaze in front of him, as walking without looking was a surefire way to trip.

"In recent weeks I spoke to your mother, asking for Arynn Frey's aid against the Eldouir in Dresmond. I intend to eradicate the gifted family from the face of Terra Nova. Queen Kimora expressed interest in the outcome, but unfortunately offered little assistance with the eradication process." He fell silent for a beat, long enough for Akagi to contribute if he had something to say.

Cassian was glad to see Akagi's eagerness. This matter was one of grave importance, and the Arynnite involvement could mean the difference between winning or losing.

"I cannot fathom a world in which your mother consciously supports your involvement or the involvement of Peacekeepers." He spoke slowly, hesitantly, because what he was suggesting wasn't light.

"Do you think your mother is at an age in life where she might consider passing you the crown sooner rather than later?" It was a big step, crowned-prince to king, but Cassian would be here to support him. Together, the Nevermere-Arynn Frey Alliance could look like so much more than it currently did.

A chill shot down Cassian's spine at Akagi's final inquiry. He turned his head sharply towards his brother-in-law, severity and an unspoken warning in his gaze. It was not something to be taken lightly, nor spoken of casually. Granted, this wasn't a casual conversation, but Cassian still wondered if Akagi realized what he had just said. Of course, having done the very thing himself, Cassian knew of the great weight that removing a parent from the throne caused on the soul. And Akagi was good. He wasn't quite like Cassian...

"Diplomacy will take you far." His response was calm and his attention had returned to the path they were walking. "Your mother is by no means an irrational woman. I believe if you begin to make yourself an asset to her and the kingdom then transition will be natural. It can be a request."

Of course, whatever means Akagi chose to execute at the end of the day were his own. Cassian simply would not be a part of plotting against Kimora. He had an alliance with her that he took seriously. He hoped it doubled as a show of good faith. One day, when Akagi was king, Cassian intended to be loyal to what he and Akagi's mother had established.

Akagi was as agreeable as ever. He always had been. It made things easy, but when things felt too easy it made Cassian uneasy. He hesitated before saying,

"Visit often." This was a personal request. "Your daughter will be better for it." Whatever Akagi wanted to imply from that he could. Cassian offered no explanation.

At Akagi's words, Cassian extended his hand. He'd clasp his brother-in-law's arm if he allowed, for a nice, manly shake. They were already brothers through marriage, and in time they would become grandparents together, if all went well. When you found good blood you sank your bearings into it. Terra Nova would prosper.

"Travel well, Akagi." He said with a nod, his voice soft, something sentimental in all that he didn't say.