[Ardyn stared him down evenly in a silent challenge; hit me, see what happens. He doubted reprisal would count as an exception to Rule Six, but gods would it ever be satisfying to see Xander crack.]

[But he settled for the reaction he'd gotten, taking some faint satisfaction in it. He wasn't the king, after all. There was no obligation to feel sympathy for Xander, and Ardyn certainly wasn't about to try.]

I find that few things do--Your Highness? [The mockingly pleasant tone was back in Ardyn's voice as a smile broke through the chilled demeanor, taking a shot in the dark to see where it might land.] I wager you've quite some growing up to do before 'Your Majesty' applies, if my assumption is not far off the mark.