The Problem With Birds

He watched the shifting of her expressions, curious what the changes would bring. Her laughter fell away, and he couldn’t tell if his question had frightened her. Did she think he might move to claim her regardless of her wishes? A faint smile touched his lips. It wouldn’t be the first time he had done so, but he wanted her to come willingly.

“Things in the Ashen Empire are seldom boring” he said with a raised brow, but it was just flavour, it seemed he had already garnered her interest. Her next words, spoken with a smile, asked if invited her into the fold. “I am” he agreed.

He listened patiently as she explained her terms. She was no fawning underling, that was certain. She had a spark, like Zee, and would not bow easily. He liked her more for it, he respected individuality and strength. “I accept your terms. As a member of my pack, you will have my protection. I promise that I will always fight for you, to keep you mine and safe.” a hint of the beasts possessive quality might have showed in his words, or perhaps she simply took it as a pledge of a leader to protect those that belonged in his pack. It was up to her how much of his less-flattering aspects she read in his words.

“I will not make you stand on ceremony, for what I have in mind for you won't place you in the rank and file of my warriors” he said, giving her a moment to grow curious over that statement before he continued. “Is subtlety your game?” he asked her, leaning forward once more, curiosity on his brow as the plan developed further in his thoughts. “I would place you as a companion to my Queen, where you would keep her company, have the freedom to grow your garden, and be my last line in defense. You will not tell Zee that you are her bodyguard, but you will be my last fail-safe, and should my warriors fail, I would trust you to find a way to save her. Do this, Iolaire, and there is little I would not offer you.”