David Weber

"Thanks God ," Nahramahn Baytz said with a quiet heartfelt fervor as he watched the Tellesberg waterfront creep steadily (if slowly) closer. " I''ve come to the conclusion, all Nahrmahn Gareyt's dreadful novel about buccaneers kingdom notwithstanding that while I might be an island prince, I am not a swashbuckling one"
"Don't worry," Cayleb Ahrmahk reassured him. "I doubt anyone's going to expect you to be one. In fact the mind boggles at the thought. "
"Oh?" Narhmahn looked at hs emperor with raised eyebrows. "Are you implying that I cut a less than romantic figure, Your Majesty?"
"Heavens no! Cayleb looked shocked at the suggestion. "as a matter of fact, I think you cut a much more romantic figure that you did before we left Cherayth.Or a considerably thinner one, anyway."
"Don't you tease him, Your Majesty." Princess Ohlyvya scolded."And has for you Nahrmahn, you cut quite romantic enough figure for me.And I'de better not catch you cutting romantic figures for anyone else!"
"Somehow I don't think you're saving him from being teased, Ohlyvya" Cayleb pointed out.
"I didn't say I trying to. With all due respect, Your Majesty, I was simply pointing out that he belonged to 'me' . If there is teasing to do, I'll do it.'