Hanako didn't know that words could hurt so much. Hours had past and the sun had already set but the Ashen wolf's words lingered in her system like a slow acting poison. Amongst all of his spite and threats of violence what hurt the most was that he'd called her an Armada dog, spitting it in her face like she was lower than filth. Nothing made sense and her thoughts churned like a stormy sea, her fears and doubts taking over like water filling her lungs, drowning her on dry land. Her paws dug into the sand as tears pricked at her eyes, suddenly overcome with a wave of emotions she'd been holding back all day. Try as she might she couldn't hold them back any longer, she couldn't just act as  though nothing was wrong. Because it was, it was all wrong, torn and twisted and so so very messed up.

The mask finally slipped and Hanako cried.

By the time she neared her coastal den her tears had transitioned into sniffles, a mere shadow of her former outburst. The hurt, doubt and confusion remained still lodged between her ribs, but it felt wrong, almost taboo, to address it. Almost as though in doing so she'd prove the Ashen wolf right, that she was indeed a worthless, hideous mongrel who simply didn't know her place.

Hanako almost didn't want to lay down for the night, she knew sleep wouldn't come no matter how desperately she sought it. Instead she remained on the beach, watching the waves inch closer and closer till the water rolled over her paws. She tried to watch the night sky, to count the stars, but the he rocky crag of her den lingered in the corner of her vision, as though in mockery of her weakness. What a dog she was indeed.

Azure had been digging for so long he'd barely noticed the slow setting of the sun. Dirt and mud matted into his fur and chunks of the wet earth fell out from between his toes each time he thought to shake out his paws. It was hard work though a welcome distraction from the ocean of emotions that had threatened to swallow him whole over the last season. While he initially had plans only to use Venom for her power and future throne, some sort of closeness had grown between them. It was something indescribable and foreign. Had his only confusion circled around only the crown princess then perhaps Azure would have been able to handle the feelings better, but the brightly colored she-wolf Hanako had snuck in close behind. Under the influence of both women the poor prince felt as if he was drowning and he had no idea who to approach to teach him to swim. The sound of sniffles drew his attention and Azure tipped his head outside the den to investigate. Whoever it was, he had no interest in listening to their poor sad life story nor comforting whatever ridiculousness had brought such sorrow. He moved to very stealthily pad away back towards home before said sad-sack could interrupt his 'me time', though nearly tripped over his own paws as the scent hit him hard. Before he could think otherwise the prince was sprinting towards the beach. He threw himself over the rocks and into the sand, a snarl building deep in his throat. What had dared to harm what was his? Azure saw no one nearby, though it did not temper his fury. "Who did it?" No greeting was given, only a sharp question from between clenched teeth. She'd tell him, and he'd go hurt them. It was the only way he knew how to act. While he awaited her reply he turned his gaze down the beach as if the wolf in question was hiding a few strides away. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Hanako flinched like she'd been struck. He didn't lay a paw on her and she knew he wouldn't, but the bite to his words was familiar, almost too painful to bear. Her gaze darted down to his giant bear paws as she chewed on her bottom lip, she almost didn't want to say, not because she wanted to deny him but...the words caught in her throat like thorns. She let out a shaky breath as she finally looked up, the wobble in her voice thickening as she spoke.

"Chimera." She said and before she could stop herself the words came flooding out. As did the tears. "I don't know why but he just hated me. He wanted to hurt me, to rip me open and watch me bleed. An- and he said such awful awful things. Called me a dog, a cur. Made me feel like I..I" Worthless. Lower than scum Like every breath she took was a personal insult. But she couldn't say it aloud, like it would make it true.

She sucked in another breath through clenched teeth. The sobs came harder now, making it hard to breathe let alone speak. What a mess she'd made of herself, Azure was no doubt repulsed and rightfully so. But beyond the shame and hurt, more than anything she wanted comfort, to be reassured, to have his lies cast aside and replaced with truths. Was she asking for too much? Probably. But what else was Hanako supposed to do, wander around with gaping holes riddling her chest like Swiss cheese? They needed filling and right now she just wasn't capable of doing it herself.

She looked to Azure, frantic and wide eyed."It's not true is it? Please tell me I'm not."

Azure was absolutely prepared to head off in search of whatever asshole had made her cry, already imagining the particular body parts he may rid them of and how he'd explain away the transgression to his father. He needed only for her to give him a name, and once she did his bubble was forced to burst. Chimera, a prince of Ashen and of a standing higher then his own. Venom's brother. Deathbelle's son. Fucking fuck, fuck.

He turned back towards her as she continued to explain, his expression pained. Tattered ears fell back along his skull and he knew there was little he could to to retaliate, no matter how much he'd long to do it for her. "I'm so sorry, Hana." Az's head lowered between his shoulders, a grimace forming on his lips. Guilt was another emotion he was not accustomed to, but as her sobbing intensified he felt it coming in waves.

When she looked back at him with those wide, sad eyes he let out a heavy and frustrated sigh. "No, no. It's not true. Come here." Azure did not quite give her the chance to obey his request, instead reaching for her with muddied paws to grasp her to his chest. His head he aimed to rest upon her own, hoping she'd feel more secure in his embrace. "Chimera is cruel, he only wishes to see others in pain. He lied to hurt you." The prince told her gently. "I cannot punish him for it, Hanako. His position is above my own. But if you see him again you tell him that if he places a single paw upon your beautiful coat that I will rid him of it. This I promise to you, my father will understand." He hoped, at least, that Sirius would approve.

Hanako rushed into his embrace, hiding her face and tears against his fur as he held her close with oversized paws. Secure in his grasp, Hanako leaned up a little, allowing him to rest his chin atop her head as she took in every bit of comfort he was willing to provide. She just didn't understand why he'd been so cruel, taken pleasure from causing her pain and pushing her down as far as she could go. And then for Venom to act as though it was nothing, offering her a blase comment about him just being like that, as opposed to giving her an apology and the compassion she deserved. As dramatic as it no doubt seemed she felt as though no one cared for her, like she was a lonely drop of water amidst an ocean. But she wasn't alone, she felt the rumble of his words in her chest as he explained that Chimera was cruel, that he was a liar and nothing he said carried any truth. She clung onto that and took comfort knowing Azure would never lie to her and if she could be certain in one thing it'd be that his words would always ring true.

Except there was nothing he could do. Hanako stiffened and her breath hitched as she took in the weight of his words. He was a prince? She didn't want to believe it but even she couldn't deny in hindsight he looked rather similar to Venom,  carrying a Kleinish look about him making it clear he was one of them. High ranking, almighty and important as though his blood made him better than everyone else. And painfully out of reach, as if he could do no wrong. She sniffed, the flow of her tears slowing a little as she reluctantly accepted the state of affairs. If there was nothing to be done then who was she to complain? She trusted Azure's judgement and his appraisal of the situation and was somewhat okayish with leaving it there, but he continued on and his words became just as sharp as his sabres, leaving Hanako a little breathless.

He would do that for her? Hanako wanted to insist that it wasn't worth risking his crown over her, that she could just get over it, but selfishly she liked what she was hearing. She wanted the fury he spoke of, she wanted Chimera to rue the day he disrespected her and the thought of Sirius understanding, even condoning this... It was all a lot of take in, a storm of emotions that swirled within her and left her a little dizzy from the whiplash. And then to top it all off he called her beautiful. Which was true enough, she'd heard it all before, but for some reason it felt right when he said it, like it actually meant something. As opposed to the empty and meaningless praise she'd graciously accept because...well that's what she was supposed to do, right?

She held onto him, nuzzled into the fluff of his chest a before she pulled back a little to try and catch his gaze. Between subsiding sniffles Hanako managed to speak once again.

"T-thank you." Was all she said, for everything he'd done and anything he might do.

The feeling of powerlessness did not sit well for him, and regardless of everything he said and everything he knew Az still struggled to not leave her here now and punish Chimera as viciously as the Klein brat deserved. So this was the desire to protect that his father and brother spoke of, the empathy he was lacking inside and the reason why others suspected he'd make a poor leader. His muzzle wrinkled at the thought of providing such comfort to anyone else, how did his father give so much of himself so freely? Ugh. Hana was special. Az simply needed to continue to tell himself that his weakness around the freed slave was not a reflection on himself, but of her. He felt her pull away and immediately his arms dropped to give her space. Had he done something wrong, offended her? Affection was hard, and Az had spent such little time learning boundaries with others in his youth. He found himself searching for her eyes, concern dampening his anger briefly until she found her voice. Hanako was thanking him, although he'd admitted there was nothing he could do to help her. Another guilt-ridden sigh, and Az's polite resolve broke as he aimed to grab her into his chest once more. "One day we'll be their equals." He said softly into her fur. "When I have my crown, no Armada wolf will be forced to bow to the Empire." It was all he could give to her and still his guilt remained, growing further as he remembered Venom and the promise he'd made to her. Why was everything so damn hard? It was too much to think upon, he was having enough trouble keeping his anger in check. "Tell me something." Half a request and half a command, the headstrong boy found it difficult - even with Hana in his arms - to relinquish control. "Distract me, or I'll go looking for him. I'd rather not start a war right now." It would be good for her too to forget the cruelty in the Klein prince's words. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Hanako didn't fight him as she was tugged back into Azure's embrace, he clearly thought she needed some more cuddles and who was she to deny him? Instead she leaned back into his touch, slotting perfectly against his chest as she felt the rumble of his words reverberate against her ribs. When she closed her eyes she could see the future he spoke of with stark clarity, a crown atop Azure's brow as he ruled unrestrained and free of the Empire's influence. She wanted that future for him, to have his wishes fulfilled but unless she tugged at Empire's strings then there was little she could do to support his claim for the throne. She doubted asking Sirius nicely would go down well either, as much as he seemed to like her it really was none of her business how the Fatalis' handed their family affairs. So all she could really do was watch and support the prince from the sidelines and if things didn't go his way then...Well they'd deal with that bridge if and when they got there, like a team. Her heart swelled at the thought, of the possibility of them being somewhat close to equals and she pressed her face further into his fur to hide her smile. The hurt still remained a little but it was far easier to ignore when Azure was here, keeping her worries at bay with tooth and claw.

He then told her to change the topic in an attempt to steer his thoughts down a lighter path. She wouldn't have minded Chimera getting his penance sooner rather than later but Azure was right, now wasn't the time. She hummed in thought, nuzzling against his chest as the tears dried at the corners of her eyes. Something light and easy, maybe if she tried hard enough she could get him to laugh. She liked it when he laughed. The story that came to mind was a little uncouth but it was honestly the funniest thing she'd seen in a long time.

"So Toshi is kinda grumpy sometimes and Ruri really likes to annoy him. He was sleeping the other day on the beach, just there with his belly up and Ruri just came down and real sneaky like...pecked his um male parts? And he let out this noise-" She giggled, despite her efforts to bite it back. It was so bad and awful and she felt mean for laughing but- she snorted and hid her face back into Azure's fluff. She was so unladylike, she ought to be ashamed! "And he just made this GUH! noise,  and since he doesn't talk it's the closest he's got and I- I just found it really funny. He chased her for an hour after, tried to eat her tail feathers but every time he'd get close to catching her she'd just fly to the next tree. She's really bad."

Each time he felt her nuzzle closer into his fur, Az's heart seemed to skip a beat. It was such an unsual feeling and one that he could not at all compare to the rare embrace he offered a family member. Her smaller form fit perfectly against her, and somehow he managed to relax knowing she was for the moment entirely safe. Occasionally his darkened nose twitched as he drank in her familiar scent - mingled now with his own - and comforted himself with her presence as she began her story.

His lips split into a smile as she spoke, and when he gave a chuckle of his own it was in response to her laughter and not necessarily her words. Hanako had always had an infectious personality and while it was her easy obedience that drew him to her, her talent for sharing joy was what made him remain. "The poor guy." Az mused after a moment, not needing to feign sympathy where another man's parts were concerned. "I knew that bird would be trouble as soon as I saw it, but of course I couldn't ever say no to you." A wiser wolf might keep their feelings hidden better, though with such little experience genuinely caring for another Az found them harder to hide. "At least I know she has utility in her beak for if anything happens to you when you're away." If the bird were to bring him a torn pair of jewels from one who had meant to harm her master, Az would likely treat her to a feast as reward.

Her heart skipped a beat when Azure laughed, all low and rumbly like distant thunder. She still wasn't sure if the story was to his tastes but the fact that he laughed at all was more than enough for her, making her former worries and hurt feel worlds away. That as long as she remained by Azure's side she'd be safe and sound, happy to just exist in the same space as one another. She was a little surprised that Azure cared to show sympathy towards her companion; though she supposed that as a man-or boy, she wasn't sure where the line was drawn- he'd be able to imagine the pain and discomfort far easier then Hanako ever could. Since...you know she lacked those manly parts, thank heavens.

Hanako knew that Azure hadn't been fond of Ruri, since he'd been a bit sceptical of her choice, but his next words nearly knocked the breath from her lungs. She'd always sort of assumed as much but to hear him say it aloud made her feel powerful, cherished as though his usual rules didn't apply to her. What they had was new and different but so very important that...she didn't really know how to describe it really, the same way a blind person couldn't describe a colour. But she liked this special treatment and never wanted it to end, to forever be his one exception. Perhaps it was a little unwise of him to be so honest and open, to leave his vulnerabilities so exposed but not even for a second did it occur to Hanako that it was a sign of weakness. Or  if she really wanted to she could use this to bring his downfall. Instead she felt all light and airy, as if he was the only thing keeping her tethered down.

But he had to know that she felt the same way, that if he asked her to jump she'd want to know how high. It had been the foundation of their initial relationship and whilst a lot had changed since then that hadn't.

"Mm, I feel the same way, Your Highness." She hadn't called him that in a while and perhaps it wasn't right anymore but she said it all the same, for a throwback if nothing else. To remind him of their beginnings. "I'm glad you like her, though I haven't met your friends yet. That's a little unfair." She pouted.

Holding her as he did, Azure's anger slowly began to wane. Her soft voice soothed whatever fire was within him and when she called him by his title he felt a small bit of the power he'd lost to Chimera return. The heavy burden of guilt was beginning to subside, and he lifted his large head from hers to look up at the night sky.

Her statement and pout brought another short laugh from him, Az's response immediate and needing no consideration. "I don't have any friends." At least, no one who he had openly given that title to nor anyone who had given it to him. His siblings were family and Venom was his Empress and mentor. Never before Hana had he considered anyone his friend. The realization made him frown, not out of pity for himself but more for the lack of things he could share with her. Mortis could name paw-fulls of individuals he called friend, and give those wolves to her as well.

Az banished the painful train of thought, resting his chin upon her once more. "I've finished your den." He told her suddenly. "Would you like to see it? It's getting late." Reluctantly he released his hold upon her, shifting in preparation to lead her towards his finished work should she agree.

Hanako bit back a worried oh. By no means did she think Azure was a liar, but she just couldn't think of a reason as to why he felt that way. He'd said it with such certainty though, as it it was an irrefutable fact, and Hanako's heart ached a little at the thought of him being lonely. As a prince he must've had plenty opportunities to socialise, to put himself out there and make connections but it seemed as though for one reason or another he simply chosen not to. Had she thought badly of him she might have assumed it was because he didn't think people were worth the time or effort, that he was so above them it'd be unbefitting for him to stoop to their level. But so far he'd shown her nothing but kindness, regardless of her social status or obvious lack of a surname. But what about his companions though? Surely he considered them to be his friends since they must have spent so much time with one another, but then again maybe not. She'd never seen them up close and Azure had never taken the time to talk about them either, maybe he just didn't see them that way. Maybe what she, Toshi and Ruri had was special, an exception to the general rule. Either way it wasn't her place to pry and they moved on.

"Oh yes please!" She said, leaping to her paws once Azure had given her enough room to stand.

She'd been so very patient and now she finally got to see the fruits of his labour! Hanako trotted on the spot, paws lightly pressing against the sand as she waited for Azure to lead the way.

Was it always so easy to make a wolf smile, or was Hana special in some way enjoying life so much that the excitement came naturally to her? Regardless of the answer, her joy always had a way of making Azure feel good. It was something he did not bring to others of the Armada, and bring able to gift her happiness helped him to feel like he could still contribute somewhere to someone.

The direwolf boy bumped his shoulder against her gently as he led her onwards up towards the ocean-view den he'd spent so much time digging. The mud upon his paws had long dried during their conversation and was beginning to crack and flake, so he tapped them against a tree to dislodge the rest of the muck before he could track it into the den. "Voila." With a wave of his paw he displayed it to her, standing in the opening and awaiting her response.

Everything he could think of, Az worked hard to encorperate into her new living space. The main room was large enough for not only Hanako but also for any visitors she may decide to have, spacious enough for a wolf even Sirius' size to stand comfortably. A few small off-shoots he'd dug out as well, their size smaller in case she'd prefer a cozier place to sleep. Laid out upon the dirt were the hides from the plushiest prey he could find, fufilling his promise that he'd find her a more suitable blanket then the communal ones in storage.

Lastly was a small nook in the wall - a place inspired by the one his father had gifted his very tiny mother - for her raccoon dog to rest, and beside it a few dug-out shelves for any knick-nacks she wished to display. The craftmanship was not as skilled as that of his father who had dug out many, many dens in his life but it was clear Az had put in the effort. "Is it okay?" He asked quietly, glancing over to study her gaze. "I can change whatever you need."

Hanako followed in his shadow, her excitement mounting with every pawstep. She was tempted to rush ahead and dive headfirst into the den but she'd been patient till now, there was no use in ruining it all with a lapse of self control. It looked about the same from the outside, rocky and stable, but she knew he'd put a lot of work into this and when she breathed the scent of moved earth reached her nose, giving her a small teaser of what laid within. She leaned back on her paws, anticipation mounting as Azure, in an impressive display of showmanship, waved her forth and invited her inside. It was all a little silly but Hanako quickly decided she liked this part of him too, unrestrained and free from the burden of being the Armada's Heir. As if with her he could simply just be. Dipping inside, Hanako let out an impressed ahhhh.

No wonder it had taken him a while, the set up he'd made for her was far more intricate than she'd anticipated. She meant no offence of course but she'd always just assumed he'd keep it simple, that he'd just dig out enough space to lay out some furs and leave it at that. But he'd gone above and beyond for her, creating something so nice and homey that she could easily picture herself snuggling up for the night, surrounded by the comforts she so clearly deserved. She reached out with a paw and brushed her pink pads against the plush furs, smiling at how very soft they were. Her gaze then wandered to the shelves and the little alcove for Toshi, perfect little details that had been made with her in mind. Knowing that Azure had put so much thought and care into this, slaving away to create something was hers, made her feel light and airy. Like she was living a dream, strolling down the path she wanted and not the one fate intended for her. The thought of leaving all this behind, leaving him, was almost enough to ruin the moment. But Hanako had always been a here and now sort of girl, there was no use in worrying about the future when it wasn't hers to control.

Instead she turned, her gaze brimming with gratitude and affection as she leaned over and gave him a long overdue hug. Any tears that lingered in the corners of her eyes were ones of joy, not sorrow.

"Oh it's so perfect! " Her words came out in an excitable rush as she leaned even more on him, her leg arching up to reach over his shoulder. "It's all I wanted and more! Thank you so so so so very much! " And then she gave him a  little peck on the cheek, as any respectable young lady should when accepting such a generous gift.

Her reaction was everything he'd hoped for and more, and Azure was hardly able to keep the smile from his face as she inspected each addition with what he was sure must be happiness. In the doorway he remained as was polite to do in someone else's home, arching his head around the opening to watch as she inspected his work. Making someone else feel good had never brought him such fulfillment, and for what must have been the hundredth time he found himself thanking whatever gods had brought her to him. The light, airy atmosphere she carried soothed the darker parts of him and Az found himself wanting to do more, give more, anything to continue feeling her joy.

"I'm so glad you like-" Az began, when suddenly she threw his way a hug and he lost his voice in the shock of it all. It took a moment for him to collect himself before he returned the embrace tightly, his oversized snout fitting into the space above her shoulder perfectly. The prince's heart began to pound in his chest so rapidly that he felt his rib cage might splinter against it, and then suddenly she gifted him a chaste kiss upon the cheek and it skipped a beat. For the first time he could recall, heat rose to his face and he buried it into her further to hide the blush. "I- you're welcome." He whispered after a while, forcing himself to finally release her so he could move into the den.

Invitation be damned, it was time to discuss things. Things she might want to lay down for. He had fallen for her too hard and too fast, and throwing into the mix all the complications like Mortis or Venom or her future with the Armada he knew that without some clarity someone was going to get hurt. "Hanako." He began softly, lifting a paw to scratch at his neck before settling down in the dirt beside her furs. "I want to talk to you, about, uh, your keepers. Is that okay?"

From the way Azure stiffened up Hanako couldn't help but feel as though she'd overdone it, pushed too hard too fast, and forgotten her place. She'd been about to pull back and apologise, to fall back on propriety and ask for forgiveness but as he hugged her back her fears melted away. Receded to the back of her mind as though they'd never existed at all. Hanako knew that Azure was in every way a Fatalis, a strong and capable warrior, but when he held her close like this it seemed so far removed. As though she'd managed to steal away one part of a whole, the soft and caring side that few ever got to see. Perhaps she was selfish, coveting Azure as though he was some shiny bauble to be stashed away in her little box, but from what she could tell he seemed to like the attention. If anything Hanako had come to realise that their relationship was a two way street, as superficial as it sounded they both had something to gain from the other. Hanako got the affection she craved and Azure got his princely validation. All was well between them, or so she thought.

Hanako tipped her head in confusion as Azure pulled away. She watched him for a moment, her lips twisting at the corners as the mood in the den took a nose dive. It couldn't have been something she'd said or done since he'd been so happy with her just a moment ago, sure she knew that emotions could be fickle things but Azure didn't mark her as the volatile sort. Instead of questioning him she simply followed suit, folding herself down on the newly laid furs as her ears swung forward to listen. His question was an odd one, so strange in fact that she blinked in obvious surprise, her attentive expression dropping like a pebble to the bottom of a pond.

"Of course. What about them?"

He could tell she was confused by his sudden shift in topic and frankly, Azure was confused too. He'd not thought hard enough on the rushed decision, was finding himself regretting even breaching the topic, and could not realistically just tell her to forget about it now. Hanako took his cue and lay down beside him upon her furs, and Azure shifted so he could lay his broad head upon her shoulders gently. The gesture had a dual purpose - to comfort him when his emotions got out of hand, while also keeping himself from studying her face in case there was something in her eyes he'd rather not see directed towards him.

"Your keepers, they were to sell you." Az stated it as both a question as a comment, something they both were aware of but hadn't yet discussed. "I-" Why was it so hard? Any wolf would be pleased to hear they were free from their captors, Az should be thrilled to pass that information on to his friend. Hanako however was not any wolf, and he had the feeling that the knowledge would not be well recieved.

He stumbled over the words, hating himself as eventually his thoughts turned to lies. "Your price, I've paid it. Or, will. It's not your concern, the deal is done." It was.. not as much a lie as it could be, Azure did intend to pay her price in blood. It was a decision he'd made the day he decided she was to be his and took her into his home. The fact that the Keepers were not yet aware of the future exchange was irrelevant, as long as Hanako understood that her freedom had been bought.

Hanako allowed Azure to settle, a smile gracing her features as she felt the weight of his chin rest upon her shoulders. Had it been anyone else she might have thought the action a little demeaning, as though she was prop to be leaned against, but as per usual she was willing to make an exception for the prince. He began with stating the obvious, a fact that Hanako had always known to be true. She was quiet for a moment as she wondered where he was going with this, thus far it had been the elephant in the room and she'd been content to leave it well and truly alone. It was a little awkward but she wouldn't just leave him hanging nor would she try to pretend otherwise.

She hummed, both in acknowledgement and to encourage him to continue. When his words faltered she said and made nothing of it, pretending she hadn't noticed as she soothed him with a brush of her tail. When he finally got there her tail dropped as her mouth popped open a little in surprise, she blinked rapidly as her ears jolted to alert. She'd heard his words loud and clear but they sounded almost too good to be true.. The thought of remaining with her found family made her heart clench, sharp and aching but in a good way this time, as though to remind her she was still alive. This was the best case scenario she could have imagined, one she'd secretly been hoping for longer than she'd care to admit and the fact that Azure was willing to lay everything he had on the table just to keep her by his side...

She wanted to leap up and thank him but she couldn't help but get weighed down by the implications. How could it all be so good but complicated at the same time? Besides, did she want to marry Azure? Her thoughts were tangled and fuzzy, the harder she tugged at the ends the tighter the knots became, blurring the lines and leaving poor Hanako thoroughly conflicted.

"I- thank you." At the very least she ought to be grateful, overwhelmed and confused even she managed that much. "It...means a lot, that you'd do this for me." She turned, jostling him a little as she tried to catch his gaze. She wanted to leave it at that but she'd already left too much unsaid, she felt like she was just being unfair but the words just refused to come out. Or at least not the whole truth. "I don't know how much the bid is right now but maybe I can put in a good word. They'd want me to be happy and...with you I think I really could be." She stared down at her fiery paws as she did her best to ignore the blatant heat in her cheeks.

Hanako's body language shifted and he could feel the change underneath his massive head. Muscles grew alert, her heart began to beat more rapidly, and she took her time in giving him a response with words. She could have been happy or angry, and stubborn Azure simply lowered further until his whole head was upon her, merely to drive home the point to himself that he did not want to watch her reaction.

The fear that gripped him was real, strong enough that it reminded him of the day Aureus nearly tore off his ear. Was Hanako even capable of hate? They hadn't discussed her relationship with her keepers at all beyond the fact that they existed and that she belonged to them. The specifics didn't matter to him, whether they were the kindest or cruelest masters in all of Boreas would not convince him to spare their lives. Hanako however had never appeared bothered by her lot in life, and Az had heard of wolves who began to adore and love their captors while in slavery. Now that he'd not only lied to her, but lied that he had purchased her freedom, would she be angry to have lost the choice?

Az felt her jostling him as she spoke, and only because her first words were 'thank you' did he allow her to find his gaze. His muzzle shifted so his cheek lay upon her, the sharp aqua in his eyes hopeful, but resigned. "You're welcome." He whispered in reply, his breath catching on the words.

Then Hanako continued, her words bringing forth first a laugh, and then succeeding in nearly stopping his heart. With him? Was she saying that with her freedom won, she might choose to stay with him? With him with him, and not simply as his newly freed packmate?

He swallowed, blinking rapidly as he tried to collect himself. There was at least the first half of her silly statement he could address, before trying to figure out the meaning of the latter. "There is no bid, Hanako. Consider it done and dealt with, please." In another scenario Azure might be offended at the implication that he'd (and by extension, the Armada) be outbid by anyone, though taking offense at her words was far from his mind. Instead he gave to her a reassuring smile, willing her to believe him. She'd never have to see her keepers again, that she was a free wolf. Free to be with him? Azure didn't know if he could even begin to let himself believe that she'd choose him over someone like Mortis, but here she was thinking that she 'really could be' happy with him.

There was the other part to address, words that touched him and were impossible to ignore or pretend away. Not responding to her confession would be more offensive then anything he could possibly think up, that much Az knew about women. Though their relationship was... difficult, and the yearling boy did not want her to feel forced into her feelings because he was someone she deferred to. Saying that outright was even harder for the selfish wolf, and a large part of him worried that given the open and honest choice to deny him, that Hanako would take that choice. "You make me happy." He managed, the statement twisting into an unspoken question.

Hanako felt as though this ought to be a time for celebration but for reasons she couldn't understand the mood in her den was just so tense and heavy. As though the roof would collapse in on them at any given second. This conversation was very important and would impact her life in a major way but...well she supposed that she just wasn't used to having to deal with looking at the bigger picture. In a sense it was all a little too much for her, like she wanted to look away and let it unfurl on its own without her input. Despite the lack of agency being a damsel or commodity was like a safety blanket to her. It was all she known for so long and though the Armada had pulled back the curtains a little there was still so much she couldn't see, or didn't want to. Besides, she knew Azure would do right by her no matter what, still blissfully ignorant of the darkness that lurked behind the warmth in his eyes.

Even then she'd been willing to put in a good word, only for Azure to shove the idea aside with far more force than was necessary. It was what she'd wanted, really, but the finality of his tone marked her as off, drawing her attention like a waving red flag. She blinked slowly, throwing her concerns aside as though she just couldn't be bothered to deal with them right now. It was reckless and selfish of her but her plate was already full to the brim and the porcelain would surely crack if anything else was added.

"Oh...well alright." And that was that, she guessed. Time to move on.

In a way Hanako had been fishing for such a response, selfishly wanting Azure to return her affections in kind. She had no right to claim him the way she wanted but...she found herself forging ahead anyway, only faltering when it got a little too real. If this was what she truly wanted then she ought to be decisive and sure of herself, traits Venom no doubt carried, yet here she was. Just letting things happen, like a autumn leaf swept away by the current of a river.

"I'm really glad, that's all I want, you know?" The weight of her words quietened her voice, they were for his ears only. "Besides...prince or not you deserve to have fun and be happy. I don't think anyone should be all glum and serious all the time." She turned and bared her teeth in a poor imitation of his sabres, trying to lighten the mood in the only way she knew how.

She appeared to remain somewhat unsure even through his assurances, and Azure was finding himself wishing the keepers would knock on their door that moment so it could be over and done with for good. Would she not believe him in that she was free until she saw their bodies for herself? Perhaps the truth was something he should one day consider. The day her Keepers turned up at the border they would have both Sirius and himself at each other's throats for the right to dispatch them though Az had never intended on letting Hanako in on their deaths when inevitably they did happen. Would it be the only way for her to truly see? Well it was that or to purchase her as she expected him to, but the idea of standing face to face with these wolves and not tearing their eyes from their sockets was laughable. Eliminating the slavers was one of the few events Azure truly looked forward to, after all. Maybe more then his future ascension. Her quieted response promptly derailed his train of thought and he felt a grin tug at his lips as she insisted he have more fun and to be happy. "Hmm, sorry, I don't know what fun is." He responded playfully. Hanako would never be allowed to see him 'having fun', not while his only concept of enjoyment remained in bloodying things. Had he even tried other 'fun' things? Az didn't think so, but then again hobbies were something you enjoyed with friends and of those he had few. When she bared her teeth at him he felt like his heart might stop, and his jaws parted to release a low breath. Even pretending to be fierce, Hana was truly beautiful. Az realized with a terrifying start that he wanted to kiss her, and was forced to tear his gaze off of her lips. "I- I-it's late, we should both get some rest." Az was speaking without thinking now, and he found himself wondering if she'd invite him to stay with her for the remainder of the evening. After all he had built the den with his - and Mortis' - sizes in mind. Nope, painful train of thought. Need to focus. Whatever had started happening to his body as he aged was most definitely not consensual, and he tipped his head up to stare at the flaws in the ceiling of her den. In more then a few places the dirt was imperfectly smoothed, his claws having left furrows in the hardened dirt. He focused on the markings as hard as he could but still an unfamiliar heat was beginning to flood to his cheeks and he gritted his teeth, trying desperately to call back instead the mental image of his future slaughter of asshole slave masters. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."