In the middle of the night

Ganymede was still, not moving his head from Lailah’s chest even when Ultyr grew closer, still seeking comfort for a while longer. Still seeking to give her some comfort as well though he knew it was barely a fraction of the comfort that Ultyr could give her. Relief came easily when he heard the heavy body slide to the ground near them, although closer to Lailah than himself, relief that maybe this would settle her heart at least a little. After all, she had already vaguely let slip her feelings for the other when they first met. ’ But I care for him in ways a slave shouldn't. He can be sweet and caring, he just has a temper sometimes.... he's kept me fed and ensured me pleasure when he needs someone to bed, unlike his father.’. Written by small hands in a gifted book, someone who sought solace from Ultyr.

"I hurt her once.” With the placement of his head, the words were clear and easy to hear past the thumping of Lailah’s heart—an admittance of a mistake, more than that too if he was honest. Admittance of a lie, having just implied not moments before that he had never hurt Lailah. So…the demon prince could be good, could have a heart, could crack through that god-like facade for a moment. Maybe there was hope for him after all. But that was something to work on when the three of them didn't carry the scent of fear on their coats. "I thought someone had taken her away from me without me noticing. I thought I was alone again. Turned out she was hiding but she wanted to be found. She had seemed happy when I had found her but I-" His mind is too focused now, catching the words of apology but not enough as he tumbled the previous admission around in his head. And he does give time for Lailah to accept or deny the apology, not wanting to rob her of this before he opens his mouth.

"You’re afraid of being alone." It isn't a question, not really, more like a statement of the things he’s noticed. Words roll in his mouth like marbles for a moment as he decides his next words to say, not lifting his head but moving his body so his legs are resting against Ultyr’s side while his head is still pillowed against Lailah’s stormy soft fur. A bridge almost with the way he was curved from one to the other. "I won't leave, I’ll stay, and not just for her. But, I want a promise from you," Words chosen carefully and gently, his voice never once holding malice or anger, just a heavy tiredness that wasnt just from waking in the middle of the night. "Don't lie to me again, or try and have her lie to me on your behalf. I deserve better than that after everything. You’re not your father, I believe you’re better than lying and dishonesty."

"speech"