[See, if the table were the type where you can just sit, she'd be kicking him gently under the table as a form of chastisement, but as it is, she purses her lips and squints at him.
Uncertain this was an answer at all.] No, I meant, does he feel the same way or...what?
[She tries to bite down the pleased grin at that flash of shyness from Anduin, but it doesn't work; it splits her face.]
Oh, good. Good, after everything our group's gone through, some light-hearted romance is a lovely break from all the... [She gestures vaguely to her scratches and general cursed-ness.]
So, are you two going to be...together? [That's how it goes, right? First you confess feelings, then you date. Or first you kiss in the middle of a big battle, then you disappear from your timeline completely before you can resolve that in any significant way.
Speaking of romance:] It's a bit funny now, with both our subterfuges, we've unintentionally turned Wrathion into a betrothed hoarder.
[She pulls a face at that, and makes a note to remember this. Bring it up and possibly rub it in Wrathion's face in a most sarcastic manner at a later date. Just because he's apparently a dragon gives him no reason to be an arrogant prick about the whole fake betrothals.
Her excuse was, at least, motivated by an urgent panic and need to exit a wedding room without getting killed. There's absolutely nothing genuine about the false engagement there. (Okay so she has oggled his shoulders, and chest, and the hair, and all that. Physically, he is very...very. But she's at least alive!)
As much as she might erroneously think she'd do rather well in a duel against anyone, she's not going to challenge Anduin to one for Wrathion's hand. He has two.
Her expression softens first, and then grows curious.]
Because he is... is it the dragon part, or that he is also a man? [In her world, there are those who would not be happy to see a relationship blossom between a man and another man.]
[Anduin's eyebrows pinch together slightly as he tries to figure out how best to answer this question.]
Because... He is Wrathion.
[He flicks his eyes up to meet hers.]
The black dragonflight, Wrathion's family, it... Does not have the best history. Nor does Wrathion himself, for that matter. I have forgiven him of his past misdeeds. But -- not everyone has done.
[She has no real understanding of this history that Anduin is so haunted by, but she knows a few things about evil men finding regret, trying to redeem themselves somehow. Even if for all the wrong reasons.
She knows a few things, but she's no expert.]
Well, the fact of the matter is...you two are the only ones whose opinion on these matters will, well, matter. If you care for each other...
[She sets the cup down, and reaches over impulsively, to grab onto Anduin's hands, hoping to give him the same level of comfort he showed her in the village.] I know that we've only known each other for a few months, Anduin, and it's probably not as significant or symbolic as the trust of someone who's known you your whole life, but I genuinely wish for your happiness. [A sheepish smile.] Someone should be catching some happiness in this place, it might as well be you.
[Anduin appreciates her reassurances more than words can say. It really is very sweet of her to say so. She has been very kind to him -- to both of them. He wants...
He wants to be honest with her.
Anduin turns his hand within hers, moving to grip her fingers back and takes in a deep breath.]
Hermione... Can you -- can you keep a secret? [His lips twitch slightly.] Another one, I suppose. Mine?
[Anduin blinks at that, coming up short, before letting out an abrupt burst of laughter.]
What? No, no, I'm... Not a dragon, no.
[He sobers a little, squeezing her fingers where he still has her hand in his grasp. He takes in a deep breath. It feels strange to admit this out loud -- or to call it a secret for that matter. It really isn't, not at home anyway. Here in this world though he's tried not to share it around, uncertain how it might go over. But he trusts Hermione, and moreover -- it would just be nice to be able to talk to her, to have someone he knows he can trust with all things. All things. And so...]
Where I live... It is called Stormwind City. It is the capital city of the kingdom of Stormwind, and the largest capital city in the Grand Alliance -- that is, one of the two major political factions of Azeroth, the world where I come from. And I...
[Anduin's eyes flick up to meet Hermione's.]
I have the 'honor' to be named High King of Stormwind and the Alliance both.
[There you go, some levity. It's nice to know she can make someone laugh in this place, and a surprisingly nice laughter to boot.
Still, he goes somber and she holds her breath on instinct. Here it goes, the big secret. (She's rather good at keeping those, isn't she?)
And the secret is:
Anduin's a king.]
What.
[A king. Sure. One's a dragon and one's a king and why not believe them both? In the end, they each can confirm each other's truths, and it doesn't impact her at all if it were a lie. She could say she's the queen of Slytherin right now and nobody here would understand what that meant. (She won't though. It's not in her nature to lie that hard.)
[She flinches a little at her own foolish reaction. The king passes away, the prince inherits - and she imagines it's a bloodline, much like any monarchy.]
I'm sorry - of course, the timing's not up to you. And there have been younger kings, I just...
[She does pause, and looks at him, a little sign of a smile.] You're a king, and you're not a git. You're not even close to being a git.
[Ah. Ah, that. She lets out an uncomfortable laugh.]
I don't find it surprising at all, every person who has power is obsessed with keeping it. [She scratches the back of her neck, in thought.] But it's your body autonomy, Anduin. Surely as King you can circumnavigate that? What I mean to say is - ignore them.
[Except for Anduin himself. He had never really been interested in being the king, and when it had happened... He had not been ready for it. Perhaps he never will.
He appreciates that advice, however. That she is still fighting to support him in this. It does mean a lot. Certainly more than he can say. He smiles softly at her, reaching out to place a gentle hand on hers.]
Thank you. I have done my best to do so thus far.
Though admittedly... It is far easier to do so here.
[She nods in understanding, and manages a little smile at the admission.] It would be, wouldn't it?
[Though she sets the mug of tea down so she can cover his hand and give it a squeeze back, the smile stays for a moment longer.] Does this mean you don't want me to call you Your Highness?
[Anduin appreciates the laugh that this draws. It's nice to know that, despite all the terrible things looming on the horizon, they can still have moments like these together. He can't help but smile wider at her in return.]
Speaking as someone who was raised with lessons in manners, posture, and courtly behavior, among other fascinating subjects -- no. I don't suppose that they do.
[It is rather nice, isn't it? Like a little bit of light in dark times; this might be because Anduin has been to her like a Lumos made person. She doesn't know what's lead her to confide in him so often so far - maybe their similar ages? maybe the fact that he sometimes reminds her of Harry, overburdained with duties and destinies? maybe a kinship left unexplored? - but it's brough her, so far, relief.]
What other fascinating subject? [She gasps, playing along.] Horseback riding? Piano lessons? Or was it...eating etiquette?
[Anduin raises his eyebrows at her, making something of a face at the suggestion of it, because in truth... She's hitting rather too close for comfort.]
I liked the horseback riding, for the record. But then, there was also --
[He raises a hand to start ticking them off, finger by finger.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Uncertain this was an answer at all.] No, I meant, does he feel the same way or...what?
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[If it is possible to look more embarrassed, he is.]
Ah, well. Yes. As a matter of fact, he... He does.
[A slow smile spreads itself across Anduin's face and he chances a glance up to Hermione before ducking his head once more.]
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Oh, good. Good, after everything our group's gone through, some light-hearted romance is a lovely break from all the... [She gestures vaguely to her scratches and general cursed-ness.]
So, are you two going to be...together? [That's how it goes, right? First you confess feelings, then you date. Or first you kiss in the middle of a big battle, then you disappear from your timeline completely before you can resolve that in any significant way.
Speaking of romance:] It's a bit funny now, with both our subterfuges, we've unintentionally turned Wrathion into a betrothed hoarder.
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Speaking of...]
He suggested to me that we might duel for his hand.
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Of course he did - what a ridiculous idea. [She flashes him a little smile here.]
Don't worry - I'm not interested in challenging you to wands at dawn. He's so melodramatic.
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I believe his exact suggestion was to the death, so. You will imagine my relief to hear as much.
[He takes another careful, restorative sip of tea before glancing back up at her once more, his smile softening as he does.]
Thank you, Hermione. For... For being so supportive, of me. Of us. I...
[He glances down to the mug in his hands.] There are those back home who will not be as happy for me. Because -- it is him.
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Her excuse was, at least, motivated by an urgent panic and need to exit a wedding room without getting killed. There's absolutely nothing genuine about the false engagement there. (Okay so she has oggled his shoulders, and chest, and the hair, and all that. Physically, he is very...very. But she's at least alive!)
As much as she might erroneously think she'd do rather well in a duel against anyone, she's not going to challenge Anduin to one for Wrathion's hand.
He has two.Her expression softens first, and then grows curious.]
Because he is... is it the dragon part, or that he is also a man? [In her world, there are those who would not be happy to see a relationship blossom between a man and another man.]
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Because... He is Wrathion.
[He flicks his eyes up to meet hers.]
The black dragonflight, Wrathion's family, it... Does not have the best history. Nor does Wrathion himself, for that matter. I have forgiven him of his past misdeeds. But -- not everyone has done.
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She knows a few things, but she's no expert.]
Well, the fact of the matter is...you two are the only ones whose opinion on these matters will, well, matter. If you care for each other...
[She sets the cup down, and reaches over impulsively, to grab onto Anduin's hands, hoping to give him the same level of comfort he showed her in the village.] I know that we've only known each other for a few months, Anduin, and it's probably not as significant or symbolic as the trust of someone who's known you your whole life, but I genuinely wish for your happiness. [A sheepish smile.] Someone should be catching some happiness in this place, it might as well be you.
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He wants to be honest with her.
Anduin turns his hand within hers, moving to grip her fingers back and takes in a deep breath.]
Hermione... Can you -- can you keep a secret? [His lips twitch slightly.] Another one, I suppose. Mine?
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What? No, no, I'm... Not a dragon, no.
[He sobers a little, squeezing her fingers where he still has her hand in his grasp. He takes in a deep breath. It feels strange to admit this out loud -- or to call it a secret for that matter. It really isn't, not at home anyway. Here in this world though he's tried not to share it around, uncertain how it might go over. But he trusts Hermione, and moreover -- it would just be nice to be able to talk to her, to have someone he knows he can trust with all things. All things. And so...]
Where I live... It is called Stormwind City. It is the capital city of the kingdom of Stormwind, and the largest capital city in the Grand Alliance -- that is, one of the two major political factions of Azeroth, the world where I come from. And I...
[Anduin's eyes flick up to meet Hermione's.]
I have the 'honor' to be named High King of Stormwind and the Alliance both.
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Still, he goes somber and she holds her breath on instinct. Here it goes, the big secret. (She's rather good at keeping those, isn't she?)
And the secret is:
Anduin's a king.]
What.
[A king. Sure. One's a dragon and one's a king and why not believe them both? In the end, they each can confirm each other's truths, and it doesn't impact her at all if it were a lie. She could say she's the queen of Slytherin right now and nobody here would understand what that meant. (She won't though. It's not in her nature to lie that hard.)
A king.]
But you're so young.
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When the king passes away, the prince inherits the throne. Whether it is convenient timing or not.
Age does not really factor into succession.
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I'm sorry - of course, the timing's not up to you. And there have been younger kings, I just...
[She does pause, and looks at him, a little sign of a smile.] You're a king, and you're not a git. You're not even close to being a git.
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He decides to let that go for now though. There are more important points to be making.
He nods slightly.]
A king, yes. And, ah.
[How to put this.]
As I am constantly reminded by my advisors, there is. The matter of an heir.
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I don't find it surprising at all, every person who has power is obsessed with keeping it. [She scratches the back of her neck, in thought.] But it's your body autonomy, Anduin. Surely as King you can circumnavigate that? What I mean to say is - ignore them.
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He appreciates that advice, however. That she is still fighting to support him in this. It does mean a lot. Certainly more than he can say. He smiles softly at her, reaching out to place a gentle hand on hers.]
Thank you. I have done my best to do so thus far.
Though admittedly... It is far easier to do so here.
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[Though she sets the mug of tea down so she can cover his hand and give it a squeeze back, the smile stays for a moment longer.] Does this mean you don't want me to call you Your Highness?
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Well. I won't stop you, if you insist.
[He offers her a little shrug.]
Although technically, the correct form of address is Your Majesty.
[His lips quirk slightly, in the briefest of smiles.]
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Anduin, nobody likes a fuddy-duddy. I've been told.
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Speaking as someone who was raised with lessons in manners, posture, and courtly behavior, among other fascinating subjects -- no. I don't suppose that they do.
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What other fascinating subject? [She gasps, playing along.] Horseback riding? Piano lessons? Or was it...eating etiquette?
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I liked the horseback riding, for the record. But then, there was also --
[He raises a hand to start ticking them off, finger by finger.]
Politics. History. The art of war. ...dancing?