This is our make or break it

He hadn't expected the reaction he got, though he should of guessed he would of. Atreyu being more touchy feely than her brother even when they were young. Though still a defensive man so it should of been no brainer his quills and scruff tensed, standing on end. A now instinct when something came at him. He was a solid thing so knocking him over was a feat in its own, though he hadn't expected it so she did just that.

His legs spread to catch his form from face planting. An oof came from him as she collided with him as well. He let her get her hug in from the floor. He half expected her to try to scent mark him, however primitive it might of been. Though the hug wasn't returned, permission had not been given. He was still a guard until told otherwise. Guards didn't give affection back, regardless of their feelings for the royals.

It had been a teaching, something ingrained, among the fact that he wasn't sure where he stood now. Things were different. With Atreyu as the queen matriarch she could order their betrothal null, could even order him to marry Oath if she felt like it, and he would obey. His loyalty to Judalia was a very real thing still, even if only she and Oath lived of their royal family.

His eyes widened and he pulled his face back to look at her in shock as she planted her kiss upon his cheek. His face stayed shocked only for a moment before becoming that of a man thinking hard, deciphering meanings and puzzles. His hardened hide hadn't known the feeling of a woman against him for a long time, and his bodily reaction he hid with a cleaver movement of tail and leg to cover it. It was inappropriate he chastised himself.

Her paws checked him and he made certain to keep his shoulder and other things in check. He didn't need to explain to her that a buffalo had tried to put its horn through to his heart on his first night in these lands. Her question came and he chuckled. "Breathing, currently." his response was careful sarcasm as he tried to still decipher if the kiss had meant anything or if it was only just that, a kiss. Had her morals dipped so she kissed every man now? Or was he special? Did she intend to continue their friendship? Or did she want more now? She still wasn't a full adult, but did it matter? He wasn't sure the laws of these lands. She would still be considered a teen in their homelands, untouchable to all in his eyes. "And what of you my lady? How do you find yourself?" also a loaded question but he cocked the eyebrow over his dark eye. He needed a few questions answered but how she handled him from this moment on might answer those for him.

"Atreyu" || "Azriel"