She's got the devil's eyes
There is a moment of treading as the two enter into conversation for the first time. The careful test of toes in the water, a provoking thought or word place just so to see the reaction one might have to the other. To see how the very first pieces of their untested relationship might fall. Many might believe it a foolish notion, but Heartfire knows first impressions play a much greater role than anyone might assume or wish to believe. She knows these first few moments are the most crucial puzzle pieces as they each metaphorically circle each other, determining the lay of the land.
Starsin does not disappoint.
Heartfire’s comment, her subsequent thoughts, had meant to provoke. To stir a reaction. And she could not be more pleased by the way in which Starsin had responded. Perhaps it had seemed largely meaningless. Thoughtless, even. But anyone who knew Heartfire would know none of her words are actions could ever be described as any of the above.
Head lifting slightly, she eyes Starsin, the sharp blue of her gaze gleaming with a certain knowledgeable light. The flash of offended indignation is smoothed quickly enough as she realizes perhaps there is more to the question than face value had given. Heartfire continues eyeing her, but her body eases faintly, as though they were having nothing more than a light, relaxing conversation. After a moment of heavy silence, she comments rather dryly “Respect and obedience are entirely different things. In fact, I respect Castile a great deal.”
It went without saying however, that she had never once in her life submitted to or followed his direction. Their last conversation had ended in a draw, with neither conceding to the other. But then, Castile had demanded Nerine’s deference to cement their alliance. A thing Heartfire would never be willing to give. And yet, he had let her leave without even a truce to pave the way between their two kingdoms.
A mistake if ever there was one. And now, he had made the first move, believing her weaker than he. But then, Castile had always failed to see the larger picture.
She can only hope Starsin would have a more open mind.
She listens almost idly as Starsin offers an explanation of her loyalty. After a moment of contemplative silence, Heartfire only replies with a non-committal, “Hmmm.”
After all, it really isn’t a question of like or dislike, or of whether he had earned anything or not. Perhaps he had. Perhaps not. He had built his kingdom off the back of Wolfbane’s and Vulgaris’ efforts. An indisputable fact. She doesn’t have to wonder what he would have built had he not had that fairly significant stepping stone.
After all, she had seen what had occurred in Island Resort.
So, no, in the end, it is not a question of respect, or dislike. Rather, it’s a question of whether or not he truly has the guile to hold what had been given to him. And quite frankly, if his goal were all of Beqanna, he had rather overlooked a few crucial elements.
“Have you by chance visited many kingdoms outside of Loess’ sphere of influence?” She already knows the answer, of course. But it’s not really that which she is after. “I have a feeling you would find it an eye-opening experience.”
and they'll cut you like a weapon