She's got the devil's eyes
Heartfire is well aware she had begun to develop some modest level of notoriety. Of course, monarchs rarely have the privilege of anonymity. Perhaps some seem to lead a quiet, unnotable rule, but many more garner attention whether they wish it or not. Heartfire had always been comfortable with being overlooked. It had made her inclination for information gathering much easier. She is finding however, that, despite its drawbacks, being recognizable does come with its perks. Even ones so simple as rarely having to introduce oneself anymore.
At first glance, she likely does not look as a queen ought to look. Her demeanor is neither regal nor overpowering, her features neither beautiful nor striking. No, she rather falls somewhere between. As though she could be anyone, fade into the back of any crowd, as anonymous as the rest. It isn’t until one finds her gaze that they might realize there is more that lies beneath the surface. A strength and hunger that is nearly undeniable ones it’s noticed, locked so carefully behind the sharp calm of stunningly blue eyes.
A vibrant flame, cold and consuming, boldly defying the blandness of her exterior.
Eva’s reply is everything she had expected it to be when she’d greeted her. Light and friendly, unassuming, words phrased so neatly. The elegant poise and discourse of someone actually gifted in the diplomatic arts. Entirely the opposite of what Heartfire has to offer in return. While it’s true she does rather have a gift with words, the inclination lies much more in the precise and pointed application of them rather than the warm and comforting grace Eva could no doubt offer.
“Mmmmm,” is her reply to Eva’s acknowledgement of who she must be. She says nothing more as she continues, offering blithe commentary on the anticipation of her visit and the influence of the season. After a moment, with the affectation of an almost shrug in her voice, she responds simply, “I’ve found snow rarely seems to impede those whose business is either urgent or nefarious.”
The words equally imply that her business must be neither if she seeks to avoid the snow. A fact Heartfire rather appreciates, given how many gears had seemed to begin turning lately.
After a moment’s silence, she continues, offering a rather broad response to Eva’s question. “Well enough.” Her words are mild, and vaguely friendly despite the lack of inflection. “I suppose you had heard Tephra and Nerine will be continuing as allies?”
and they'll cut you like a weapon