Lies always endeavor to surface. False promises follow soon after, spoken in that saccharine timbre meant to soothe, deceive, and make venom taste like honey. But Terence is no fool. He knows exactly who stands before him, knows the shape of that deception. Sleipnir, just being in the same place as him feels suffocating. Air around them thickens, heavy and foul, pressing against Terence's lungs until each breath becomes a conscious effort. The man sets his instincts on edge, as if shadows themselves attempt to creep closer, consuming whatever light he still carries within him.
He doesn't want to be here. Doesn't want to look at him. Speak to him. Endure even another moment in his presence. Nevertheless, he has no choice. Steel-blue hues narrow. ❝ You’re a dirty liar, and I hate it. I hate this ! ❞ His hand bends at his side, fingers curling before stilling again, forcing himself not to reach for his blade unless given reason. ❝ You better behave yourself. ❞ (Sleipnir)
"Oh my, such anger," Sleipnir replied, taking in every small motion that Terence made. "Was it because of something I said?" It was a provocative statement, as Sleipnir knew what he had done. He loved pressing on other's buttons, making them squirm or lose their composure. Terence's weakness was obvious – a few pointed comments about his beloved prince and this was the result he had gotten.
Even better was the fact that the squire knew he could not make a scene at the moment. Of course, these 'peace talks' were nothing more than a farce. His liege had no intentions of ever agreeing to a peace treaty with Sanbreque. Barnabas wanted them at war, as it created a convenient distraction. It would wear them down and thus make them easier to manipulate. Besides, his king enjoyed war – fighting was the only thing that made either of them feel alive these days.
Sleipnir had simply found that he enjoyed verbal sparring as well – it was a different kind of fight, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.
"I am merely speaking the truth, dear squire. A marriage contract is a common tactic to ensure peace between nations – and Sanbreque only has one prince. I'm sure my king would take excellent care of him, should that be the case." Nothing of the sort would ever take place, but oh, how Sleipnir enjoyed poking where it was unwanted. If Barnabas had actually wanted peace, then it was something that very well could have happened, even if his liege had no interest in Dion Lesage. In politics, things such as desire or interest had no place.
It was true that Sleipnir should behave, but when had he ever listened to such a thing? He wanted Terence to do something reckless, if only because it would liven things up a little.
