Cassian was unchanging. Not once in this conversation had his demeanor faltered. His dealings were always regarded with equal honesty and calculation. None of this was personal.

“Are you giving enchantments to my citizens without my knowledge?” A point blank question, one Akagi had the opportunity to answer truthfully…or not. Of course, his brother-in-law did not know that Cassian already knew the answer. Call this a test, then, though Akagi had already started by feigning ignorance. Would he continue down that path or back up?

Akagi narrowed his eyes and if Cassian didn't think this was "personal" then the man really had no emotions or feelings. Siting down finally in his chair pushing his tea to the side Akagi leaned forward, "I've made Ophelia enchantments and after The King's Witch was brought to me burnt and the failure of my healing tent, yes I gave Alys a portal key as I have sought to correct my failure of healing her scars. The key is a one way in and a one way out," Akagi didn't understand where he was wrong he had been cautious as he always was with his enchantments, "I've given pain buttons as well, once I gave someone a warming stone and a child a pack of chocolate frogs but it was just chocolate...should that be enough? I have an idetic memory your Majesty, I remember every enchantment I've ever made and who has what, the weather of the day and the date..."

They had been standing and conversing and Akagi now sat, though he didn't invite Cassian to sit. That alone would have conveyed his change of mood, but the narrowed eyes confirmed it. Cassian had struck a chord. The defensiveness was curious. At once Akagi went from a man Cassian felt he understood to one with secrets. They all had secrets, but Akagi's good nature and friendliness had deceived Cassian into thinking he was a mostly honest man. This discovery did not change much of anything. It was simply something for Cassian to file away for later consideration. Akagi was not as good as he seemed.

Cassan knew of at least one other enchantment Akagi had failed to account for. He had informed Cassian of some he didn't know of. None of this showed. Cassian simply maintained himself, as he always did, unmoved by the other man's revelations and proclamations.

He noted the king's interest in his witch. Odd, when Cassian's huntsman had also come to him with wounds and left with scars, yet there had been no follow up there.

"I am sure you can imagine why handing out enchantments to citizens of my kingdom without my knowledge could be compromising." Though perhaps with the way Akagi was respond, he couldn't. Cassian gave him an opportunity. This wasn't supposed to be a hammer, but a gentle redirection. How Akagi chose to receive it was up to him.

Akagi did understand and saw perhaps the folly of his always wanting to be helpful, in these times perhaps he should be more reserved with his giving of enchantments away.

"I understand, I will correct this and henceforth I'll notify you as well of such things," Akagi sat back in his seat, he hadn't offered Cassian a seat yet because the young man had just been ridiculed quite passively a lesson he wouldn't waste again.

"I apologize."

Cassian inclined his head slightly.

“I do not need an apology, brother-in-law. A written account of every enchanted item will do.” His eyes traveled over Akagi’s face. Then he said, “You mentioned the ship we confiscated from the gifted. It is something you want returned?”

Akagi was already preparing to write Cassian a list so as he pondered about the ship being returned:

Enchantment List:

@alys - healing tent, portal key (one way), healing buttons
Hadrian Usher - portal key (one way)

He then handed the paper to Cassian before returning his shamed stare toward his brother in law, "No...no need for the ship to be returned, use it as you see fit."

Cassian took the slip of paper from Akagi with a nod, folded it, and tucked it into his pocket. When Akagi pronounced his decision for the ship, he gave no indication of what he thought of the man’s choice.

After a pause of silence he said,

“I think you mistake my motive.” It was once again an open-ended thing to say, allowing for a conversation, if Akagi felt one necessary.

Akagi looked up at Cassian and tried as he always had to read his brother in law, but truthfully he never could and likely never would.

"Yes, I must have," Akagi said apologetically, "I have less experience at this and I wear my emotions on my sleeve Cassian, as much as I wish I could hide my motives or emotions like you...I can't..not yet at least and that may make me a terrible ruler to you but I am trying."

Cassian’s face didn’t change. Akagi’s words were strange to him, strangely insecure and unfairly deciding Cassian’s motives, but the other man hadn’t asked a question, and it wasn’t like Cassian to lavish others with compliments. So a silence followed Akagi’s words, and the other king would choose to believe whatever he wanted, as he already proved he would do.

“Perhaps you can come to my study later this evening. The queen wanted to meet with you on matters concerning her prisoner.”

Akagi nodded, "Of course, I'll be there your Majesty," Akagi added, "I'd like to see Lorelle as well so this all works out but I will be prompt for our meeting."