moving in

Hanako hummed, she wasn't exactly a patient girl but she was more than happy to make an exception for the prince. After all, not only did he intend to provide her with better furs but he was also going to dig out her den with his own four paws. In her eyes he seemed so caring and selfless, like he was truly going out of his way to make her feel at home. She briefly wondered whether she should stop him though, was it really worth the time and effort if her stay was only temporary? She would hate to see all of his hard work go to waste when her Keepers arrived, but then the selfish, fanciful part of her who liked having nice things swept away that worry without a care. If he wanted to give her these things then who was she to deny him?

Drawing her from her revere, Azure dipped down into the cellar and emerged carrying slices of cooked meat. It was only when the scent reached her nose and she licked her lips she realised just  how hungry she was. When was the last time she'd had a proper meal? Not just scraps or rotting remains she'd happened to stumble upon out in the wild, an actual proper meal that required preparation? She couldn't even remember and that worried her a little. Ever obedient, Hanako followed  him back to the fire pit and laid herself down on her belly, all dainty and proper. Accepting her share with smile she murmured a quiet thank you and tucked in, taking small nibbles as she savoured it's...honestly, passable taste.

Even though Azure did well to hide it, Hanako suspected that he was worried, unsure of whether she'd be able to live up to his expectations. Hanako felt a sharp pang in her chest, hadn't she served him well so far? What reason had she given him to doubt her? More than that, what else did he want from her? She opened her mouth to say as much but quickly bit down on her tongue, not only would that be incredibly rude but it wasn't what he was saying at all! Like the drama queen she was she'd jumped to the wrong conclusion and  hadn't even taken a moment to consider Azure's feelings. It was simple, as clear as day he was just looking for reassurance, that he wanted to know if she'd have his back through thick and thin. What a fool she would have been to deny him.

"Not at all." She said, full of confidence. "I'll do my best for you and this pack." And as if that wasn't clear enough, the prince came first and the pack second.

Her mind looped back to the fact that the Warlord just wanted her to learn to fight, as far as she was concerned no one expected her to become some deadly blade wielding warrior. But if she could provide other services for the pack or help it in other ways then surely no one would have any reasons to complain. She picked up the remaining half of her meal and thought about her next words as she chewed.

"Your Highness, I've been meaning to ask, what other skills do you think I should focus on?"