my heart runs on gasoline vapors

He glanced over to her as the question seemed to stall her temporarily. She spoke of an engagement, and family left behind. “The Armada is near capacity, and I do not tolerate divided loyalties.”< His voice was crisp, a warning. His attention turned fully to her, flicking across her face. Reading the expression there. Would he have an issue with her, later down the line? If he believed so, he could either cut her loose now, or keep her in the rank of slave, with little chance of improvement.

They had made good progress through the forest at that point. Normally, he would bring a new wolf to the Col by now, and give them what they needed to get situated. But this test would be for Basilisk as well. With Azure gone, Basilisk was next in line for the throne. What he did with a slave would be telling.

"Speech"