Hot coals are sitting on butterflies

?He contemplated, powerfully, what to do about the odd child. A gleam in his eye only told him that there was something important. It took but a moment of watching her and studying how she looked at him. Her features were sharp like her mothers, bright like her fathers, and they were also bold as any Adravendi?s should be. She stood and looked at him with what he regarded as reverence. In his mind she was all too aware of his ability to tear her apart and leave her behind should it be a wish. Though, her words were quick to be spoken and he cracked a slight grin. She knew her blood would be her saviour. Never would he harm someone that he was sworn to. And; even inadvertently...he was sworn to protect the little girl. Especially, being the daughter of his direct sister. She was of superior importance. His niece needed to be questioned though. She wasn?t living with Epiphron; was she?
??Where is your mother? Your sisters?? He wanted to hear her admittance that she was separated from her maman. The scent that held a mother and daughter together was gone. He needed to know what had happened. His family falling apart in his leave was not something to be taken lightly; nor was it something the canine was going to stand and consider. The behemoth planted his haunches firmly against the earth and took to staring at her for a moment much longer than anticipated. He was indeed, a fallen king, but a supporter still stood and still watched? Interesting. It was the least he could say to that. There were those in Alacritis that still regarded him, and it was on that pedestal he would remain. ?One born a king does not lose his title because his crown was taken. One remains a king when he offers his life to take his crown back,? And take a crown back he would. Even if it was not his own. A sly grin wrapped over his muzzle and he lifted his chin and stared down at her. His eyes were grave, menacing, and they were (above all else) prying. He wanted the truth.