[ both ears twitch. yes, the world can be very complicated and annoying. red tape, sometimes physical, can get in one's way. but leona doesn't have time for that. with one uttered phrase anything in his path can be destroyed and turned to sand that'll fall at his feet. wielding that with conviction has been a struggle; intimidation can turn into fear which can turn into distrust and an erosion of a kingdom. the thing that he has, no matter what, wanted to avoid. he can't become a king without a kingdom. it's in the word. ]

Yeah, I know it's important. It's why I'm bringing it up in the first place.

[ what he says... leona can hear the meaning behind it. does lilia think that he can't belong with leona in that way? that the throne doesn't deserve him, in passing or otherwise? ]

I'm not gonna live my life balancin' on the precipice of being both committal and not. I want you.

[ and he knows that lilia wants him, too. there's no questioning the desire, physical and otherwise. but what holds him back is what holds leona back as well. doesn't he recognize that? they are bound to one another. going ahead can't happen if they don't do it together.

he thinks about a mark that would be unique enough to fit on lilia's body. they could mate repeatedly, but that's not something anyone can just see on the outside. public displays of affection may do the trick. that their presences alongside one another could leave an impression. ]

Well. I figure at some point that's gonna happen anyway... but it might hurt pretty bad if I give ya a really hard chomp. Might have to offset it with sometin' else. Don't you agree?

[ leona noses through lilia's hair, inhaling deeply. his scent is remarkable and it's all his to have. ]