Magnus has long since enjoyed diplomatic visits that do not try to hide behind the shadows and the intrigue. It is refreshing to be direct, to be honest, to be genuine, and although he has no doubt that were she to play the game, Heartfire would win easily, he is glad to know he doesn’t need to try with her. She simply meets his gaze and his instinct is clear that she is someone that he can trust in this moment. It is an entirely different feeling than the one that he had when he faced Sinner, watching his grandson with secrets behind his hellhound eyes; instead, it is the feeling of knowing exactly where you stand.
So he accepts it and gives her an easy smile, gold-flecked eyes sparking with pleasure. “It will not be changing underneath my reign,” he says easily, flicking a tail against his war-scarred hide. “Not without good reason, at least.” He winks a little, but only because they both know that there are no guarantees in the world of Beqanna and Magnus would never sign a deal in blood that he cannot uphold forever.
Would he remain allied if they were to betray Tephra?
Would he remain allied if they were to go against his values?
The answer is no, and he knows that Heartfire is of the same mind. But he doesn’t go into such details, letting them remain unsaid and instead turning his gaze back toward the quiet volcanic island that unfolds around them. It is peaceful, and those who live here enjoy the haven as such. He doesn’t fret over the lack of activity and instead does his best to steward those who do choose to rest their head in his home.
“Is there anything else you wish to discuss or see during your visit, Heartfire?”
MAGNUS | I don't belong to anyone, but everybody knows my name
@[Heartfire]
![[Image: gqYjsHr.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/KjqNDKxc/gqYjsHr.png)