Hadama did not look smug. That would be unbecoming of a King and demigod. Besides, his expression was hidden by his bow, so even if he had looked far too pleased with Flora's compliments there was no way to prove it by the time he straightened again, only his eyes revealing his laughter. His lessons in flirting only continued the gentle humor, though Flora's additions did have him tilting his head curiously. "The last two I have heard of. Though I have not heard of 'love bombing.'" An admission made in all seriousness and with genuine curiosity. The name alone did not give him an immediate clue.
But the teasing could not last forever. He had fought one battle already that day but already they planned for the next. He could promise no help but his own, but that he could give without reservation as he offered his co-ruler the Lucky Ring that had been made from Torchline's resources. Even as she asked her question she had accepted it, and emerald eyes softened as she wrapped her arms around him and he returned the hug. This moment, this safety, was fleeting, and all the more precious for it.
"I am sure." And there was no levity in his tone as he spoke, quiet and certain as the rising moon as he enfolded her into strong, gold-scarred arms. "And thank you. For letting me know what you intend. I will support your however I can." She was warm against his chest but he could feel the breadth of her shoulders that way. The steel in her, however much she hid it beneath fashion and reputation. Young, still, but no longer untested. And she had already given so much to their region. "You are Torchline's Queen, and my equal, Flora. I am sorry that I have not always seen that."
But the teasing could not last forever. He had fought one battle already that day but already they planned for the next. He could promise no help but his own, but that he could give without reservation as he offered his co-ruler the Lucky Ring that had been made from Torchline's resources. Even as she asked her question she had accepted it, and emerald eyes softened as she wrapped her arms around him and he returned the hug. This moment, this safety, was fleeting, and all the more precious for it.
"I am sure." And there was no levity in his tone as he spoke, quiet and certain as the rising moon as he enfolded her into strong, gold-scarred arms. "And thank you. For letting me know what you intend. I will support your however I can." She was warm against his chest but he could feel the breadth of her shoulders that way. The steel in her, however much she hid it beneath fashion and reputation. Young, still, but no longer untested. And she had already given so much to their region. "You are Torchline's Queen, and my equal, Flora. I am sorry that I have not always seen that."
