[ Alina's exasperation petulance is only a touch exaggerated as she pulls a face at him. Of course she's immeasurably thankful to have found a friendly face, so much so that she chooses to take his arm without argument to stroll back through the market. ]
Do you ever worry that the king's crown might not fit if you let your head get too large?
[ Well. Mostly without argument. Although the quip had come faster than she could really think, and the reality of three years difference causes her face to pale with the thought of what might have changed. She had left just on the cusp of something, and for all she knows the Darkling rules rather than a Lantsov. ]
I was worried about what might have happened to you. [ Her words are soft and genuine. She pauses, looking at him sidelong, searching for any indication of a change in a reaction in him even if she knows he wears his mask well. He isn't totally free from an interrogation, but the banter is a comforting balm for her as much as him, even if she won't admit it. ] I suppose I am glad to see you came out unscathed, ego included.
no subject
[ Alina's exasperation petulance is only a touch exaggerated as she pulls a face at him. Of course she's immeasurably thankful to have found a friendly face, so much so that she chooses to take his arm without argument to stroll back through the market. ]
Do you ever worry that the king's crown might not fit if you let your head get too large?
[ Well. Mostly without argument. Although the quip had come faster than she could really think, and the reality of three years difference causes her face to pale with the thought of what might have changed. She had left just on the cusp of something, and for all she knows the Darkling rules rather than a Lantsov. ]
I was worried about what might have happened to you. [ Her words are soft and genuine. She pauses, looking at him sidelong, searching for any indication of a change in a reaction in him even if she knows he wears his mask well. He isn't totally free from an interrogation, but the banter is a comforting balm for her as much as him, even if she won't admit it. ] I suppose I am glad to see you came out unscathed, ego included.