"Of course."

"That's the official story, anyway."

"That you are royal somehow? That you are partially human?"

"That we are royal somehow."

"I had heard that, yes."

"Normally the hair would prove royal blood," says Edarial, motioning to his hair. "But, starlight. Apparently. So."

"Yes, with this alternative explanation the entire lineage is thrown into doubt. Maybe we lost the last true royalty of Marlatia four hundred years ago sometime after the death of King Aynsee."

Edarial nods, sagely. "That's all right. Let's not tell anyone, they would make a fuss."

"And that would be terrible. By all means let us avoid fuss."

"Yeah, they're better off, anyway. Star people are the best!"

"It's the hair. The hair confers special powers."

"Special powers that I don't have, unfortunately! Damn my lack of starlight hair! Damn it!"

"Maybe your star ancestors will take pity on you if you bleach it."

"It's the only way. Unless - Ari! Ari, do you have a spell to turn my hair to starlight?"

Edarial snorts. "Unfortunately, no. Sorry."

"I doubt it would be hard! But it might be permanent."

"Shhh! Don't tell him!"

"Aww, but I am forthcoming and helpful."

"Noooo, you're supposed to say it's impossible!"

"Why?"

"Because the power is all mine, obviously. Bwua. Ha. Ha."

"Oh, I see. Zevros, can't whiten your hair for you, I fear the wrath of your star-haired brother."

"Damnation. Foiled again!"

"I mean, unless you want to promise that upon receiving the blessings of the stars for yourself you will protect me always from him and all other threats."

"No one can protect you from Edarial's disappointed look. I can't do it, it's impossible."