[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.]
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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?
no subject
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?