[ He has such beautiful eyes, she thinks so often. Different to Byerly. Different to Grayson. But something else to them, where he is bright. All tinged. She takes such an enjoyment in talking with him, sometimes, just for that alone. Whether it was telling her about the caves and hills of his home.

( More than anything, she thinks so often, so unadmitted, and maybe that's why she's so slow - he reminds her of Gangadhar. More so than any man she's met since he left her. So utterly, completely dangerous just for that. ) ]

I don't want you to do anything for me. [ She is Queen, and her heart and soul belongs to that first and last. Everything that it meant, good and bad. She has supplication, she has those even years later that hit their knees in her memory, whether she deserves it or not.

It is nothing she wants every again. ] I want this with you, if that is what you want. [ There's her hesitation. ] I understand what my position means, often...

[ People don't refuse her, either for the stardust, manipulation or fear in their eyes. Has to be careful, have to be sure. Too easily to be had as well as have, to push where she only means to give and to have worry for that end. ]