Blackwater Islands Testing our communication

For the barest of moments, Ego’s gaze flitted in the direction indicated by Tulok and then flashed back to the Speaker, his expression unreadable. Despite remaining carefully neutral in this part of the exchange, his level of comfort had plummeted. This was more evidence to the inquisitor’s suspicions, and he did not like where the clues were the leading him.

Monarch, lain with a dog? It was unthinkable.

He silently convinced himself that these things were only coincidental.

Our meeting was pure chance, but our union is a choice born of mutual attraction. Ego responded without missing a beat, speaking quite plainly about their agreement. If anything, he seemed proud of his decision -- or was it arrogance at having been chosen? We agreed to make things exclusive between us to build trust. I joined her here to prove my loyalty.

After a pause, he asked, unabashedly, do you have a mate? Though asked innocuously enough, the question was double-edged.