Vinny watches as Akos moves towards the throne, but then he immediately realizes its not a throne but some sort of magical creature in disguise. If Akos sits on it, the creature will likely attack the Loremaster.
(Now, you and I both know that the throne is a mimic, but Vinny doesn't know that without a successful Knowledge [dungeoneering] check (even with a Natural 20 on the other check). The base DC is 17 to recognize it as a mimic. I mistakenly put Knowledge [arcana] in the post for Neurotic. I'm going to change it now.)
As for your Listen check, Vinny can hear someone or something moving around behind the metal door on the opposite side of the corridor. These corrupt guards are planning an ambush!