"But Your Majesty!" Abe protested, "I don't want to hurt your companion!" And sent those watching into laughter. In their minds, Riku was older, taller, and more likely to off Abe. But Abe had seen Riku practice with the sword... he KNEW he was better than Riku.
But Riku laughed too as he began taking off his shoes and socks. "Oh, do go easy on me, Abe."
Abe shook his head and began taking off his shoes too. If it was what the Prince wanted, then its what he'd do.