well this is embarassing

His preferred title for her slipped from his lips and Venom was almost certain that his brain had fried on the journey home. She pushed her muzzle into his fur, she could smell the rot on him and she wondered how long he’d been forced to go without care. He made no move to stand, so Venom held him a little closer while she had the opportunity. Azure always seemed so distant, even when they were so close.

”No… I do.” Someone had done this to him, but she couldn’t make assumptions. Kai’s scent wasn’t strong enough on the boy for Venom to decipher the familiar aroma of defeat. He told her that he was going to remain here, and the Empress knew right away she wouldn’t be allowing that nonsense. He was weak right now, she could drag him to the Palace if she tried hard enough.

”You’ll lose your eye if you stay here too long.” She didn’t know that for certain, but she could guess. Her voice was serious enough that she could make Azure believe she believed it. ”Come on.” She pressed against him again, willing him to get to his feet because she really didn’t want to drag him. ”Don’t make me use my Empress powers on you.” She joked lightly, mostly for her own benefit as she struggled with her inner emotions. Seeing Azure like this was causing her more turmoil than it should have. She struggled to hide the strong emotions bubbling up inside.