#dunno...

kinda proud of this one tho....

Parak couldn't fault her for that, not in response to such devastating news. If their positions had been reversed, he could only imagine what terrible methods he'd employ merely to cope with it. To keep his image maintained even in the face is such a blatant disqualification.

And yet here she was.

She laid with him now as they lounged together on the patio, leaning back against him as she let her mind ease into life. Or perhaps she was preparing a confession, or considering exactly how she should inform her chosen husband of such news. Did she fear that he'd abandon her, and renounce their contract? What if she never approached him with the subject? Would she truly think he didn't know? Did she know he knew now?

All such considerations blurred from his mind as he touched her hands, lacing their fingers together as true lovers would. It was a joy merely to feel her body shifting against his, and he fed upon that. The rhythmic swelling of her chest as she relaxed, the soft velvet of her plumage running through his hands, just feeling the shape of her body made him ravenous, it was almost too much...

"...did you sleep well?"

he's developed an incredibly resilient poker face. partly because he's an excellent chess player (which speaks for itself), and partly because he's learned not to laugh during serious meetings with nobles and royals, etc... (bc he used to find -everything- funny)