[A wry grin, which soon fades into an inscrutable look.]
I don't know about unscathed...
[So much of his body is threaded with scars, a parting gift from the Darkling. A monster burrows inside him, eluding his attempts to tame it.]
However, I'm pleased to report that the crown sits rather nicely on my head.
[He watches for Alina's reaction. From her perspective, he was still a prince. The future of Ravka was blotted with uncertainty — well, that remains true at present. Then, he had to fight for the throne he knew was his; now, he fights to stay on that throne long enough to ensure his country won't drown in all its problems.
She won't remember that he tried to make her his queen. That may be for the best, as far as his bruised ego is concerned.]
no subject
I don't know about unscathed...
[So much of his body is threaded with scars, a parting gift from the Darkling. A monster burrows inside him, eluding his attempts to tame it.]
However, I'm pleased to report that the crown sits rather nicely on my head.
[He watches for Alina's reaction. From her perspective, he was still a prince. The future of Ravka was blotted with uncertainty — well, that remains true at present. Then, he had to fight for the throne he knew was his; now, he fights to stay on that throne long enough to ensure his country won't drown in all its problems.
She won't remember that he tried to make her his queen. That may be for the best, as far as his bruised ego is concerned.]