[ Now that certainly grabs his attention, and he blinks owlishly as the children continue to pour sand around him. (They've covered his legs from the knees down now, and are slowly working their way up to his waist.) ]

Future ruler? Do you mean to say that you are a princess in the Vers Empire?

[ 'My lady' is probably still an apt enough form of address in that case, but perhaps he ought to be a little more formal in the rest of his speech, a little less presumptuous. At the very least, he ought not have asked about her childbearing plans in such a casual fashion!

But, since they're now here.... ]

Perhaps it's better this way. There is no small amount of pressure when it comes to ruling an empire.