"Thank you," he said finally. "For taking this seriously. For taking 'me' seriously."
Heena waved her hand dismissively, though she was secretly pleased. "It's just practical. If I'm going to have a partner, I want everyone to understand exactly what your position is. No ambiguity, no room for people to undermine you."
"Is that the only reason?" Larus asked, looking at Heena with a slightly hesitant gaze.
Heena's expression turned playful. She leaned back in her chair slightly, crossing her legs elegantly and resting her hand on her knee as she said with mock seriousness, "No, actually I just wanted to test a new trap. That's why I'm making this elaborate setup—to catch the Prince of Marus Kingdom in my clutches."
Larus burst into laughter, the sound genuine and warm. "Made to set a trap? Your Majesty, with just one motion from you, I would walk into that trap willingly."
Heena laughed as well, the sound light and genuine.
