but you're somebody else

Valentine studied Rhyme for several seconds after his son had spoken. Before rounding the corner he'd decided to let Rhyme set the pace of the conversation - or lack thereof - and he had every intention of sticking with that resolution. It was for that reason when Rhyme spoke briskly to him and hinted at just how unwelcome his feelings were towards Valentine, the old King offered no resistance. He nodded in understanding, his expression veiled but far from anything that might be considered unkind, and took a step back as though preparing to turn and walk back the way he'd come.

He hesitated for a split second longer and then said, "Alright." And that was it from him. He'd stumbled upon a sensitive moment and he had no business being there so it wasn't like he could rightly argue his position to stay. Valentine would go and that was okay. He fully turned back the way he'd come and then began to walk away.

-exit?-