Whitebark Stream Rose garden filled with thorns

She deflated somewhat, deciding his words seemed sincere. Her temper was always something she had to work to keep under control. When she was a juvenile only a few months short of becoming a yearling, her training with Sia had grown more intense and demanding. Her older brother had constantly scolded her about her temper and how it would cloud her judgement, and she really had gotten a lot better, especially as she grew older. She still had certain buttons, though, and unfortunately, Stigmata had pushed them. Still, she didn't usually apologize for anything, aside from certain rare occasions. Maybe that meant she was too proud, or maybe it was because she was stubborn--maybe a little of both. 

The atausiq confidently held his gaze as he spoke and when he finished, she shrugged a little. Maybe I don't want to change, she countered. Why was it so bad to guard what might make her vulnerable. Besides, it wasn't like she never let anyone in; she trusted her family completely, and she felt like others could work their way there too with enough resolve. 

Taki listened thoughtfully as he explained his intentions, playfully rolling her eyes at his 'lifelong courtier comment. When he finished, she studied his expression, searching for any signs of deceit but found none. What he proposed actually sounded kind of perfect; she would get to be a mother without all the messy relationship stuff, and he wouldn't ask her to leave her family or her position. If this happened, she felt no need to prevent him from seeing his own children, though; that seemed like it would harm the pups more than anyone else. Alright, she began. I accept, but I have no desire to keep them from you. You would be welcome to see them whenever you wished to do so.