we need to have words

He managed a half-hearted smile as she questioned him, though the surprise she felt at his offer hurt him more then he'd let on. "There is little I wouldn't do for you, and spending a week looking after you is hardly a hardship." Az sighed, and moved to untangle himself from her. His arms felt empty already without her and he blew out a sigh, regretting what felt like everything he'd ever done in his entire life. "I need to go let my father know, it's, uh, time sensitive." His eyes scrunched up in an apologetic expression, and he leaned forward to aim to gently kiss the top of her muzzle.

The knot of doubt in his chest grew, and he wondered if a week's time with his Empress would even be enough to sway her love from the koi-wolf. "I'll be back soon, I promise." The young heir wasted no time in turning to leave, worried that should he linger longer he might not convince himself to return to the Armada at all. It would be quick, he reassured himself. To the Armada, confirm to Sirius that they could keep Hattori, and then back to Venom until the day came when the slavers would arrive. They'd need to figure out everything else later.

-exit?-