#threads: finn.

[loveshard]

continued from finn's open starter (@blcssom)

finn did not step back, though erika's nearness forced his gaze downward to meet her eyes. he was acutely aware of the silence—no footmen, no secretaries, just the two of them. his hands were folded behind his back in a tight clasp, knuckles pressed tight enough that a faint pulse ran up his forearms, a physical tether to protocol. "i intend to do as my king instructed, and nothing more," he began, the silence pressing in, interrupted only by the faint clink of chandelier crystals shifting overhead. "the gallery is just ahead. if you wish, i can escort you," he offered, then checked himself. he cleared his throat and evened his voice. "unless you prefer the thrill of navigating moonlight corridors unaccompanied, in which case i am happy to look the other way."

[loveshard]

continued from finn's open starter (@honeyedmead)

finn's eyes narrowed at the question. "i am not in the habit of wandering the halls without an escort." that was not completely true, but he would not admit to the contrary, especially not to kiran. "it is... discouraged," he said, ignoring how schoolboyish it sounded. "i suppose the solari have fewer rules about the comings and goings of their heirs?"

[loveshard]

continued from finn's open starter (@wndrbcy)

"thank you," finn replied, offering her a small bow. compliments always left him uncertain; he was never sure if he was meant to give one back, or simply accept it as a courtly gesture. "you are very gracious." he supposed he was the image of what she expected: formal, capable, a lunare prince draped in reserve. lovely enough on paper, perhaps, to serve as the hinge between two warring kingdoms. he doubted zoella saw it that way, after the devastation her side had suffered. lunare soldiers had razed their fields, and every loss had been recorded in every report finn was forced to read as a child. this marriage was penance, and maybe, if he performed well enough, redemption for his kin.

"i'm not sure i match the stories," finn said, adjusting his pace to match hers. "i don't have the same appetite for war as my father," he revealed, looking straight ahead and keeping his hands clasped behind his back, wings folded tight. "i hope that isn't a disappointment."