Zee hesitated as he awoke, her heart thrumming with anticipation as if he might strike out at any moment. Though to her relief he met her gaze with a fond smile and soft speech. She returned his grin, genuinely happy that she hadn't been murdered. "Better then I have in seasons." She responded, equally as soft. It had been so long since she could cuddle up to him and enjoy his warmth in the night, soon she might be able to retire Bast as her night-time cuddle buddy.

"But-" She held up a paw threateningly, waggling it before him. "-I still want to talk to Io. To see what she has to say." While she might never fully accept that his condition was cured, the healer's word would settle some of the restless anxiety she felt. She moved back next to him, pressing her face into his fur affectionately. "I love you."

“Good to hear” he said softly, reaching forward to kiss her nose, and when she wiggled a paw at him, he reached over and grabbed her around her tummy and yanked her closer to him, digging his nose into her shoulder and letting out a soft sigh. This was a side of him no one else in the world but Zee got to see. The Warlord at his most tender.

“I love you, too. If talking to Io helps, then I encourage it” he added softly, still holding her close, but letting his paws relax, so she could pull free easily if she wished. “I don’t want to push you, but, my bed is open to you always now Zee.” He hoped she made use of that, and slept with him most nights. He was not accustomed to sleeping with another. First because he was a slave and a bodyguard, and then because he was dangerous. Violent, and unpredictable. Sleeping next to Zee was going to be strange, but it was a sensation he was already growing to love.