There are more questions blooming on the tip of Peters tongue, but he knows when a subject is finished. Even if the way Rexanna says it is light, the shortness of the explanation closes the door in the face of more inquiries. There are other questions to be answered, different lines of thought, and Peter is content to leave this one alone.
Peter barely spares a glance to the stalls they pass. He doesn’t want for anything, and even if he did, he has nothing to trade. Instead, all of his focus is on Rexanna, soaking in her words. ”I lived... I stayed in a... in a place like that.” What Peter was remembering was a far cry from a castle, but it had been cold and lonely and drafty. ”The... other people? They’re...” Peter made a face and shook his head, not sure of the word he wanted. He knew he was under constant surveillance now, but something about being watched didn’t feel as uncomfortable as being observed.
Shaking off the memories (shaking off, stuffing down, same thing) Peter stiffens at the serious look he is pinned with, his lips closing in a tight worried line. He’d done something wrong, said something wrong. He always did.
To his surprise, Rexanna leads him away from the stalls then leans in. The secret that’s shared is met with an awed look. All Peter can do is nod, his lips closed tightly still, but now being held with the weight of a secret, of trust. It’s a feeling he’s been allowed only rarely before now. ”I won’t tell!” He promises immediately, raising a fist to thump against his chest.
”I knew you... no, not knew, but you... but you, you’re like a story. Nice, and... pre-pret... shiny. Like a story.” Peter is babbling, knows he is, but excitement steals his tongue away from his sense. A thought occurs to him suddenly though, making his stomach drop and his demeanour get serious again. ”If... if she knows, will she... hurt you?” If he doesn’t say a name, it’s not real, but Peter knows he’s being clear enough to be answered.
PET
he is trying to tell you that there is some sort of shining star now buried deep inside him and he has to dig it out with a knife.
