"Keeps people clear about things." Pat pat.

"...I don't feel clear on things."

"The King wants people to know that Findekáno is his prisoner, without actually having him as a prisoner most of the time which would be very inconvenient. Because we had a civil war over this and if people thought that there were prospects of making Findekáno king then there might be violence over it."

"Oh."

"I assume he also likes it but it's at least as much about the politics."

"I'd rather have mine long but I guess tastes vary!"

"I mean, I think Maitimo likes it, I rather doubt his boyfriend does, it looks like it'd be horribly painful."

"...some people are into that." Things being horribly painful for them. Some people are also into things being horribly painful for other people, like his lordship or Kat's dad.

"Huh. Well, I haven't asked him if he's into that." Snuggle.

"I like sorta tried to develop a taste. Didn't work."

"Well, I don't like you being in pain."

"Good!"

She vaguely wonders if the King's boyfriend is in fact into it. People who don't care are scary. Although even if he weren't into boys he probably wouldn't steal from his brother.

"You could ask him, they haven't left yet. Maitimo's not going to hurt you, you didn't kill his parents."

"You don't think he'd think it was a personal question? I guess he does go around like that all the time."

"I don't know him well but, uh, wanting reassurance about your own safety feels different to me than just prying."

"I don't actually think your brother's gonna steal me I'm just used to thinking about that kinda thing." - or would it have to be stealing, maybe he'd ask to share, she does not know what kinda sibling relationship they have over this sort of thing, eep.

"I'm not planning on sharing at all but definitely not with someone who wanted to hurt you."

Nuzzle. "You're sweet."

"I think that's kind of the bare minimum for a functional relationship, actually." Snuggle. "Anyway he only likes men, wouldn't hurt innocent people, and wouldn't ask me to, what, hand you over while you were begging me not to -"

He's so sweet. Apparently it is time to have a tiny flashback! Then it is over.

Snuggle.

"I'm not going to do anything you are begging me not to do unless the Enemy starts giving you orders."

"That's 'cause you are great."

"But I scared you, a minute ago -"