[He wasn't sure what question to anticipate, but it certainly wasn't that. Nikolai does chuckle quietly, but it's the laugh of a man who has been caught. More like a sigh, really. Lifting his head, he looks up at her with a lazy grin.]
Did I neglect to mention that I'm the king of Ravka?
[Of course he's perfectly aware that he mentioned no such thing to her. He had let her believe the partial truth that he's a ship's captain simply because it wasn't necessary for her to know his titles. Revealing his status when they first met would have only installed distance between them. But now, with his seed stickying her hindquarters, and her milk sweet on his lips...it's far too late for deference.
Although the truth is now out there, the irony is that he's back to playing a role. With his grin he hides his abashment, the darkening tilt of his thoughts now that he is — despite the wings still folded at his back and the tail still swishing indolently behind him — more man than beast. His hands rest lightly on her bare skin, but to him they feel heavy.]
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Did I neglect to mention that I'm the king of Ravka?
[Of course he's perfectly aware that he mentioned no such thing to her. He had let her believe the partial truth that he's a ship's captain simply because it wasn't necessary for her to know his titles. Revealing his status when they first met would have only installed distance between them. But now, with his seed stickying her hindquarters, and her milk sweet on his lips...it's far too late for deference.
Although the truth is now out there, the irony is that he's back to playing a role. With his grin he hides his abashment, the darkening tilt of his thoughts now that he is — despite the wings still folded at his back and the tail still swishing indolently behind him — more man than beast. His hands rest lightly on her bare skin, but to him they feel heavy.]