crowngranted:
he doesn’t mean to ignore her, focus gathered on a tome that’s decidedly much less charming than ella herself, but still just as interesting. the polices of trade and peace between kyrria and ayortha may not have the same spark of mirth that his wife carries, but they’re important all the same, especially considering their diplomatic mission to the country for the next few months.
the journey is long, but it’s made bearable, enjoyable thanks to ella’s presence. there’s not a place char wants to go if it’s not with her
“i think i might do most anything to make you laugh.” the smile he sends her is nothing less of the warm, bright sun she deserves to see, the warmth he hopes to shower her in for years to come. he presses a finger between the pages of his book, keeping his place and closing the covers. “i don’t suppose you’d like to go easy on me and warm up with some ayorthian first? my tongue certainly is a bit more suited for it.”
it’s enough, perhaps, to see him smile so freely. were ella not so selfish now that she is no longer beholden by her curse not to be, she might leave him to his work again, satisfied by a single smile. but she has convinced herself of a worthy cause, and now she leans to twist a curl around her finger, put it gently back into place before she sits straight again.
❛ no, i shan’t. besides, of all the things your tongue is suited for, ayorthian may not have been my first choice. ❜ she leaves him no time to dwell upon her words, instead tilting her head. ❛ though we’ll start with easy words first. the ones you ought to know, if you know nothing else. ❜
in fairness, char is far better at most languages than ella gives him credit for - she has told him, on occasion. but if she cannot use them as an excuse to draw his attention, amuse him even if it’s for a moment, then why bother at all? ❛ .brzzaY ❜ she speaks slowly, carefully, and smiles warmly at him. ❛ and if you can tell me what it means perhaps i’ll reward you properly. ❜










