While the two families decided on what their royal tutor, Prince Bruno was already enjoying with Eris. They were currently trying to hide from Elsa who was searching for them frantically.
Eris was not very happy that the prince was following her all through the place. But the prince was stubborn and had no intention of leaving her alone. He was hellbent on riding that glider.
But Eris was clear, in this current condition, a glider ride is not just impossible, it is stupidity. She said, "I cannot give you your glider ride, right now. Elsa is looking for me everywhere, thanks to you."
They were hiding in a storage room for the palace royal knights. Everywhere around them were rusted helmets and chainmail. Any movement was enough to create noise as loud as the air raid alarm. Bruno had pulled her into this room.
Eris was standing still as she could like being at a parade. But Bruno was literally bleeding excitement. It was all fun and games, running around and hiding to avoid the maid.
"Hiding from that maid is half the fun!" Bruno whispered, his eyes gleaming. "It is a good change in daily royal lesson and being a proper prince."
Eris patted his head. She was again thinking of young Manfred. Bruno was just like him. In excitement and enthusiasm. And she was only entertaining him for this one reason.
However, Bruno was a proud prince. He might have felt a little indignant at being treated like a literal kid. Especially by a girl similar or younger to him in age.
But before he could say anything, the closed door opened in front of them. Eris prepared. She is going to be caught by her maid. But Bruno wasn't. His adventure would end right here.
However it was worse. It was Nora. She leaned casually against the doorframe with folded arms and an expression that radiated amusement.
"Well, well, well..." she said, a grin spreading across her face. "If it isn't the great Desert Fox." She looked around the cramped storage room before adding, "I've heard of strategic withdrawals, Rommel, but hiding among rusty helmets is a new one. Honestly, choosing the nearest storage room? This is why you lose to me at El Alamein."
Eris let out a long, weary sigh. "So, the rat it is." Eris continued, "What are you doing here?" Nora didn't answer. Finding Rommel should be her specialty by now.
She stepped a little too close and put her hand under her chin. "Really fox?" she grinned. "Do you want me to call your maid?" Nora looked at Eris's face from a little too close.
Bruno meanwhile, was utterly confused. "Excuse me, young lady, who are you?" He asked Nora. Then looking at Eris, "Do you know her?"
Nora let go of Eris, took a step back and bowed at the prince. "Pardon me, your highness. I am Nora. Assistant to aunt Malery." Nora straightened, "And yes your highness, I know my lovely lady Eris all too well."
Nora repeated, her smile turning almost predatory. "You might say we have a... history, Your Highness. A very long, very complicated history."
Bruno looked between them. "You keep talking like you're old friends. But you also keep insulting each other."
Nora smiled even wider, "Because that's what old friends do your highness." She said, throwing her right arm around Eris's shoulder. "Isn't that right, dear fox?"
Eris fired back. Eris immediately peeled Nora's arm off. "Keep your hands to yourself, you Inselaffe."
Bruno's eyes widened. "What did she just call you?"
Nora placed a hand over her heart in mock offense. "Something deeply unflattering involving islands and primates. But don't worry your highness. She has been calling me names for years. It's practically how she says hello."
Bruno looked between them. Trying to understand whatever was going on between them. "I still don't understand." He said. "What does insellafe mean?"
"Nothing for children to know." Eris replied a little strictly. It made Bruno slump. Why was he getting lectured, by his peers no less.
Bruno's shoulders slumped. "I'm not a child! I'm ten! That's practically an adult in royal years!"
Eris raised one perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "Royal years? What in the name of the Fuhrer, are 'royal years'?"
"They're like regular years," Bruno explained with the confidence of someone who had just made up the concept, "but fancier. Because I'm a prince."
Eris face palmed. Meanwhile, Nora again closed in on her and held her tight from behind. "No, no, dearie," she cooed, "The name of a monster doesn't really suit your cute face."
Bruno was slumped. Here they are talking about something he has no idea of. So, he wanted to ask, "What's a Fuhrer?" To Eris and "Why are you calling it a monster?" To Nora.
However, sadly for Bruno, before he could say anything, or most importantly, before he could get his glider ride, Elsa was already there. She could hear their banter from a mile away.