The chimera's eyes narrowed to follow Octavius' wordless retreat in the wake of his arrival, but he made no move to follow him. Asmodeus remained uncertain of what kept Octavius bound here, considering they had spent far too little time getting to know each other.

Octavius is, however, only a momentary distraction from his son, and one that he is grateful to let go of as Cahyr curls around him. Asmodeus had not been a particularly affectionate father - often viewing the idea of children as a curiosity rather than a deep-seated desire - but he was proud of his boy. Both because he was handsome and healthy and whole, but also because of what his existence represented.

He was his father's phoenix, a living embodiment of everything Asmodeus had risen beyond. He was no prisoner. No trade fodder. No idle herd member. He was Nyimara's lover, then King, and now a King all on his own.

Irritation curls in his eyes as he realizes that Nyimara had let the boy go, not believing Cahyr's story that he had slipped away of his own choice. It was likely his perspective, to be sure, but Asmodeus doubted she was oblivious to his absence. That she was not here, now, chasing him down implied that she was either done with him and did not plan to return (unlikely) or that something else had distracted her. The silver-maned witch was nothing if not possessive when she wanted to be, and she had been overbearing at times when Cahyr had been newly born.

So what had distracted her?

"Did you now?" He asks, forcing himself to let go of the anger and suspicion that followed the tidbits of what Cahyr had revealed. "I am always proud of you," he murmured, reaching to try and ruffle the boy's wispy mane. "You must have seen so much with your mother," he probes further, keeping his voice light even as he attempts to glean more information about Nyimara's purposes. "What all did you see?"

Adult Stallion 16.0HClassic Champagne ChimeraSolomon x Xiomara