I like pretty things. Her simply stated words made his cheeks heat somewhat. Ramiel uttered a soft, “Oh.” The words spoken by the angry pregnant mare came back to him when she’d implied he was the Dunes leader’s play thing. Was that what he was? He had been so adamant against the idea, but now before him the pale-haired mare was stating… that she snatched him from the Prairie because she thought he was… attractive.

Ramiel had never been the sort to flaunt looks or flirt beyond playful words with another mare. Though he had some of his father’s charm, Ramiel did not have his father’s wandering heart. Over the years the one thing he learned about himself was that he fell in love with one mare at a time if he even did fall in love… and that love, romance, all of it was something he held somewhat sacred.

Of course he had a feeling love was not what Queen Nyimara had fancied when she’d snatched him away to the Dunes.

Nyimara further explained and Ramiel offered a small smile before shaking his head. “Well I… appreciate the bold honesty.” He would have expected nothing less from her, of course. There were many admirable qualities he could see in the strong queen, but affection did not find him. “As well as the compliment.” He added, his smile growing somewhat.

If he were more politically inclined he might’ve tried using any of this to his advantage. Sharing flirtations with a powerful queen such as her was bound to bring some sort of reward. But Ramiel, honest to his core, shifted where he stood and instead said - “Sorry I was not a more… agreeable companion for you to have brought to your home.” Maybe she had hoped he might be a bit more flirty with her. Maybe she had wanted another partner to stand by her side and take on the world just like that other mare had suggested. Unfortunate for her that Ramiel was… well, sort of a dud. In that department, at least.

The true question, of course, beyond the why that he’d asked was the next subject to broach. Ramiel studied the Dunes lead for a moment and decided the best thing to do with her was to continue to be honest and straightforward.

“I would, however, like to go home to the Prairie soon. Will there be pushback from you when I leave?”


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