[ That little hitch, the moment of hesitation, it may as well be blood in the water. His expression shifts subtly, but it’s definitely losing that sultry edge. It’s more hardened as if in response to her words, but she has to know it’s not that. It’s latching onto something soft and tender and digging in claws. As her hand reaches out to him, he looks at her hand, then reaches up to his own neck. It’s so smooth that it could be perceived as an idle gesture… To an onlooker, at least. His gloved fingers trace familiar lines lightly on his throat where her teeth had been. ]

I will not stop you. Some already do, after all. They know what I am and what I can do, but they still love me for it.

[ An exaggeration, perhaps, though not far from the truth. There were indeed plenty of people that Sebastian had been perfectly straightforward with. Some paid for the privilege. Others simply made up their own interpretations of the oddly pleasant demon. But it’s not that detail that matters. It’s the word he chooses. Love. He knows that word in particular will dig into the vulnerability she almost showed more openly. His hand drops as he finishes tracing out the lines. ]

But I feel I should point out your misunderstanding. I do not wish for peace. That should be obvious, yes? I would not have fought so viciously for the poor excuse of a leader the Regent was if that were what I desired. I meant what I said, after all. I will escalate no further until you decide the time is right.