These lands you rule

He always felt at home when he was near her, he had known for a long time now that at her side was where he belonged. There was a discomfort of course, how could there not be, when the two held feelings for each other that was inappropriate for their individual class. He had to hold himself apart, keep the devotion he felt for her platonic. He would keep her safe, even from himself.

"Your imperial majesty" he said politely as she addressed him by her chosen nickname for him. He was enjoying her new, lofty title even more then he had of 'Princess'and was using it frequency. It also helped to highlight the deep ravine of differences between them, and his place as her slave. He used her title like a shield between them, to remind her of who he was. Of course, it was very likely she had moved on at this point, she had presumed him dead for seasons. Perhaps that was a good thing. He tried not to feel the ache in his heart at the thought.

"Then I would gladly hear it, Empress" he replied, shifting himself down on his rock so he did not tower above her. His light blue eyes blinked at her from beneath the darkness of his coat, and the white scar-markings that streaked across his eye glowed in the sunlight. His eyes where only for her, and the way the sun danced upon the darks and lights in her coat, and settled pleasantly upon the amethyst of her eyes. For the moment at least, she had attention only for him.