𝔡𝔢𝔞𝔱𝔥𝔩𝔢𝔰𝔰.

ㅤㅤㅤhe knows the feeling , knows it so desperately . the fear , anger and desperation in his daughter's voice mimic the tenor his own thoughts had taken countless times over the last few years . ❛ you won't . ❜ it's a promise he can't truly make , and they likely both know that . but when faced with his daughter , he can do no other than attempt to comfort her . an instinct he's still rather unfamiliar with , as it had been born in tandem with @opheliete . he takes her hands in his , grounding himself in the process . ❛ i'll always be with you , even if we cannot actually be together . you have my word . ❜

ㅤㅤㅤhe pretends to think about it , tapping his finger against his chin in contemplation . ❛ mm , probably a ten , ❜ he responds easily , flippantly . ❛ now , on a scale of one to ten , how much do you think i give a damn about what you think about my plan ? ❜ despite the antagonistic nature of his words , his tone is conversely cheerful - clearly , he's not taking this seriously . @bllakcat probably doesn't expect anything else from him at this point , though .

ㅤㅤㅤthe words come as easy as breathing , expression softening in the way it only does when he faces @nklsdttr . ❛ you already do ; i have never been more proud of anything . your existence is the best thing that has ever happened to the mikaelson legacy , and to me . my beautiful daughter . ❜ a smile pulls at his lips as he gently , carefully , takes her face in his hands . ❛ you are my greatest pride - and this family's greatest hope . ❜

ㅤㅤㅤ❛ oh , it's nothing good . ❜ his words are accompanied by a melodramatic , long suffering sigh . he takes another swig from his glass of bourbon , gaze holding a glint of mischief as he eyes @gorysoak . ❛ you probably wouldn't be able to handle it . ❜

  ㅤㅤㅤhis entire self revolts at her words , hands tightly clasping her shoulders . ❛ no , ❜ he insists firmly , gaze catching and holding hers . ❛ it's mine . this was my fault , and i will fix it . you have my word . ❜ his daughter , his responsibility . he has a millennia of solving seemingly insurmountable challenges behind him , and would use that momentum to ensure the safety and happiness of @trihrid .