[He does not particularly notice Croix's reaction to his affections since his attention lies elsewhere during that brief moment of a near-frown. But there is little that he can do to avoid noticing Chariot's...withdrawal from him.]
[It has been many, many months now, but he need not be Bonded to her to know it for what it is; Ramesses is holding her close enough to himself that he can feel that slight tension within her when he kisses her. Even before she speaks, he has a feeling her words are not to leave her easily. She feels so ready to spring from his arms that he considers setting her down. But Ramesses does not yield. He knows well enough by now to know there is a great difference between easing up on his affections because Chariot is asking for a moment to catch her breath, to settle and lean into it at a slower pace, and when her anxiety is relaying only gods know what to her heart and mind. To set her down now would be a concession if not an outright affirmation of it.]
[And if there is one thing that he refuses to concede to it is that. They may have a conversation on the horizon. He may want to hear from her the reason why she kept something from him when she never has before. But he has no desire to scold her, or place demands and ultimatums. That has never been his way with her, nor does he have any desire to make it so. He just wants to understand. And so, he will not allow for a single moment in which Chariot believes his affections and trust to be anything other than unwavering. If the floor has to become lava and he never sets her down again to prove that point to her, then so be it.]
That is why I said in the future, [he says with a small laugh (relative to his usual).] Even if it would be my prerogative, I would not be so unfair as to make such a demand on someone so new to this city. That would only lead to a series of blunders regardless of talent and skills.
Besides, the pair of you will have quite a bit to do for a while yet with the orphanage. I would rather have such minds focused on that task for now, particularly in ensuring that it shall be eventually self-sustaining financially.
no subject
[It has been many, many months now, but he need not be Bonded to her to know it for what it is; Ramesses is holding her close enough to himself that he can feel that slight tension within her when he kisses her. Even before she speaks, he has a feeling her words are not to leave her easily. She feels so ready to spring from his arms that he considers setting her down. But Ramesses does not yield. He knows well enough by now to know there is a great difference between easing up on his affections because Chariot is asking for a moment to catch her breath, to settle and lean into it at a slower pace, and when her anxiety is relaying only gods know what to her heart and mind. To set her down now would be a concession if not an outright affirmation of it.]
[And if there is one thing that he refuses to concede to it is that. They may have a conversation on the horizon. He may want to hear from her the reason why she kept something from him when she never has before. But he has no desire to scold her, or place demands and ultimatums. That has never been his way with her, nor does he have any desire to make it so. He just wants to understand. And so, he will not allow for a single moment in which Chariot believes his affections and trust to be anything other than unwavering. If the floor has to become lava and he never sets her down again to prove that point to her, then so be it.]
That is why I said in the future, [he says with a small laugh (relative to his usual).] Even if it would be my prerogative, I would not be so unfair as to make such a demand on someone so new to this city. That would only lead to a series of blunders regardless of talent and skills.
Besides, the pair of you will have quite a bit to do for a while yet with the orphanage. I would rather have such minds focused on that task for now, particularly in ensuring that it shall be eventually self-sustaining financially.