[ she knows what she would say if she were nikolai, brimming with an overconfidence that is as infuriating as it is enviable: everything suits me. as it stands, she seems to shrink further into the fabric at the attention, before scolding herself. if she cannot endure nikolai's focus and flattery, there is very little chance of her withstanding a gossiping, scandalized servant.
then again, she is struck by how little their views on her matter, in comparison. perhaps it's simply the embarrassment of hoping his compliments are more than empty, hollow shells he is used to presenting to courtly companions. she covers her uncertainty with a scoff as she straightens her spine, as if she had never looked unsur of herself at all, and delicately rolls up the sleeves until she can cuff them at the elbow.
it would be a shame if she were to dirty what likely has more value than everything she has ever owned combined, even if it serves to remind her how different their worlds had once been. different, and somehow too painfully similar all at once. ]
You're only going to lure someone in with one of those.
[ the sarcasm drips from her as she saunters toward him, ignoring the twist in her gut at the concept of someone. someone else, drawn in by him. someone else, warming his bed. someone else, who would replace the space she had once occupied, if she were to leave. ]
I think I see enough of your face as it is. [ then, dryly: ] But sure. Wear it yourself. You can consider it your gift to the world every time you force them to look upon it.
[ the corner of her mouth twitches. it's barely-there, a suggestion that she likes this teasing banter a bit too much, at times. ]
They might think you're terribly starved for attention, though.
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then again, she is struck by how little their views on her matter, in comparison. perhaps it's simply the embarrassment of hoping his compliments are more than empty, hollow shells he is used to presenting to courtly companions. she covers her uncertainty with a scoff as she straightens her spine, as if she had never looked unsur of herself at all, and delicately rolls up the sleeves until she can cuff them at the elbow.
it would be a shame if she were to dirty what likely has more value than everything she has ever owned combined, even if it serves to remind her how different their worlds had once been. different, and somehow too painfully similar all at once. ]
You're only going to lure someone in with one of those.
[ the sarcasm drips from her as she saunters toward him, ignoring the twist in her gut at the concept of someone. someone else, drawn in by him. someone else, warming his bed. someone else, who would replace the space she had once occupied, if she were to leave. ]
I think I see enough of your face as it is. [ then, dryly: ] But sure. Wear it yourself. You can consider it your gift to the world every time you force them to look upon it.
[ the corner of her mouth twitches. it's barely-there, a suggestion that she likes this teasing banter a bit too much, at times. ]
They might think you're terribly starved for attention, though.