you call and say I'm arctic

Silence lingered between them as silence hing for a long moment. Venom didn’t know what she was expecting out of him. A more decisive answer than the one that Azure had given her at least. The words that did leave Hattori’s mouth revealed nothing, but if she was honest that was no great surprise. She knew she could see his devotion to her, the pack, these lands. He didn’t want to leave Ashen. He was pouring his heart and soul into the Empire as much as she was, that was why he’d gained such a high rank, why it was so easy to give him power. That was why she was able to trust him so.

From the very beginning Venom had been upfront and forward with how she felt and what she wanted, yet here she was again on the cusp of his reminder that there was a contract between them. Contract or no she would speak of the future, and one that included his life tied to hers. They were bold and blunt, but they were not orders and Hattori could clearly see that. He’d asked a question and she gave him her answer.

Venom’s sunset gaze hadn’t left the islands on the horizon, despite the topic that hung between them. The Shogun would do as he pleased come Spring. Her chest tightened, but she showed no outward signs of the strange and fighting emotions beneath. The young Empress knew what she was getting into with the shinobi, and she wouldn’t lament when she was given exactly as she desired. Would he go and seek out another contact? Would he create another with Ashen? Would he take her paw? Silver tipped ears fell to her skull as she raced through scenarios and thoughts, and willed herself not to press the issue until it was time.

She forced herself to look back to Hattori, afraid she’d crack from the forces within. Her heart raced, but she took a steadying breath. ”Of course, you’ll be free to make your own choices.” Venom eventually commented, not sure where a conversation like this might go beyond silence. She didn’t want to leave on such an unresolved note. She couldn’t keep her eyes on him though, and she tensed as she averted her gaze to her dark cat like toes.