They could take it slow - that would require patience, which Lilia had plenty of, despite outwardly being so impatient at times. Instant gratification was what he preferred, what he tended towards, without holding a single ounce of shame in his small form. Living with his heart seemingly on his sleeve might be foolish, might be one of the reasons why he was seen as such a disgrace, someone who wasn't even worthy to be in Malleus' presence, to be the one who watched over him, protected him, taught him, but Lilia wouldn't have it any other way.

Even so, he hides plenty, for better and for worse. Right now was one of those 'for worse' moments. Maybe, if he had been even further open, in the time he could influence Malleus, then the prince would know how to express these feelings, these desires, these needs, in words.

"That's alright," Lilia reassures with a smile, "Sometimes, with these things, with feelings or complicated thoughts, you do not need to say them with words. You can also show me, with your actions." Lilia was the type to act before thinking, before speaking, going with his instincts on most things. It's a wonder Malleus didn't pick that habit up from him, a habit that Lilia had picked up from the boy's mother.

"There is nothing you could do or say that would make me think less of you. You know that, right?"