In the middle of the night

He smirked as Ganymede grumbled, "I had gotten too comfortable with not knowing by the time I got her the book and supplies." He admitted. Because he alone procured her sketchbook and supplies, of course. As if they didn't just happen by them and he let her have it. He held the small girl's chin for a breath as she looked up at him with her tender gaze. Ah yes, there it was... That look of pure devotion was back in her once sorrowful eyes. He needed to be more careful with his anger. Or else that glorious look might fade from her eyes at him again.

He looked over at Ganymede as he regaled them about the hybridization of mints with a soft smirk. The boy was highly knowledgeable about plants! Good. And it seemed like he was a talker. Even better.

He gently rubbed the little woman's tender and sore pads with the mint leaves. Gently massaging in small circles into her foot. He gently picks up her other paw and takes another fresh few leaves but pauses as his brow furrows from Gany's jab. With a slightly darkened gaze, he turned his nose to the youth.

"She is in more danger out here by ourselves. It's why I'm driving us to find your siblings where we scented them further south. I'm hoping they'll be able to assist in the birth if she needs it." His tone was low as if he was reminding the boy that Ultyr had a plan with a hint of warning, "I can't go and take back what is mine without an army." He went back to soothing her pads, he couldn't leave her on her own for longer than a hunt, that's a great way to lose her. And he was not keen on losing anything more that was his.

"I spent my early years surrounded by muted slaves and strict tutors. I was the holy prince going to take the throne, of course, I was given lessons. None of them were about childrearing or the ways of women, we had midwife slaves for that." He bit back a sneer. Schooling his mask to keep it neutral. He let her treated paw back to the ground and then slowly ran his paw over her hip to gently take on of her back legs and massage the pads of that foot. He was enjoying treating her, like taking care of your favorite weapon.