Sudarshan only had a moment's warning from the gleam of excitement in the prince's eyes before His Highness practically erupted with eagerness. It was so overbearing the naga struggled not to cringe. Boisterous people had never really been his favorite. But his expression changed as soon as the word "pay" hit his ears. He hadn't made a lick of money since leaving his comrades a few months prior, and he couldn't ignore his dwindling purse for much longer. How long has it been since you did an escort job? Nice easy money, and it sounds like he's up for a long trip. A slight smile played at his lips, not enough to reach his eyes, but enough to look polite. "I would be honored to accompany you if you will have me, Your Highness," he said. "I do warn you that I can't make any promises. I do not know the whereabouts of the informant at this time. However, I did receive a tip that she may be hiding out in the forest tonight. There was, ah, a bit of a scene in the streets earlier." I hope she's all right, he thought before continuing. "If you are willing to start this endeavor knowing that there's a big element of uncertainty in it, then I'm yours." He dipped his head in deference to the heir to the throne.
Well, this was a turn of events in his life that he wouldn't have expected. He'd been ready to give up on the informant and make plans for the library, but now that he was an inch away from being hired by a very wealthy client who sounded willing to put up with (and pay for) the extra time of a nigh-baseless search, he saw no reason to turn the offer down.
