[ A part of him can’t help but feel proud at the boldness of her actions, even as his eyes widen in surprise at the kiss. It’s surely expected, but still very much welcome and, indeed, he can feel the passion in her kiss as he wraps his arms around her in a similarly tight embrace.

When they finally break it up, he can feel his heart racing, as if to make up for earlier on. ]

Then perhaps I can ask you more directly if you wouldn’t mind sparing me a few more. [ Okay, so that still sort of counts as teasing—he’s been around Laslow for way too long and it’s starting to sink in—and well, his mind really isn’t on the food at the moment (sorry Peri and Subaki). ]

A king, after all, can afford to be a little greedy.