[ Ardyn laughed, loud and uncaring, for the benefit of the crowd. They were clearly enjoying Regis' complete rudeness, and what better way to play it up? He put a hand on his chest as if offended, but none of it showed in his voice nor his expression. ]

Oh, come now, your dispossessed Majesty! There's no need to be crass; 'tis the season to be merry and bright!

[ They'd taught Regis well, hadn't they? The hangers on, the courtiers, his manservant, his chamberlain, his tutors -- all of them. Despite being palm-high and sporting such pretty little wings, he held himself with all the regal fury his title suggested he should. Noctis could never manage that. But then, Noctis had never been raised to rule, had he? ]

You appear to be in a spot of difficulty. Shall I...?

[ He trailed off, suggestively, twirling his hand in the air as if looking for the end of the sentence. ]