So now while the dragon went to fetch food she started talking about the most random of things.She told him everything about her life at the palace and life after she was kidnapped. She also gave him all the information she could about the dragon and his opinion of the dragon improved considerably.

 

Despite how hard it had been to keep up with her due to how she switched topics faster than light and spoke rapidly. He found it rather relaxing to just nod along and not carry the conversation for once or establish a certain image like he had to do at feasts in order to prove to the public and other nobles that he was the right leader. Today he could simply listen and not use his brain as much and that was something he was incredibly grateful for.

 

Soon enough the dragon came bearing plates on its back and landed on the table causing the princess to get up from her chair to set the table. He expected her to stop talking but to his pleasure she didn’t stop and continued her rambles while she set the table, leaving him to watch her animated hand gestures as she told him a rather humorous anecdote from her time with Franky.

 

She didn’t notice his gaze for a while but when she did, she paled and profusely apologised. She was terrified he would reject her just because she wasn't playing the role of s pretty princess.

 

She said, “I am so sorry for rambling, I know it isn’t proper etiquette for a princess. I promise I won’t continue, please don’t change your mind.”

 

Her state once again broke his heart, he didn't like that she felt so constrained by the expectations of society and how she still feared that he would change his mind. She reminded him of his sister who had left royalty because of the expectations of society which made her feel trapped. Thus he assured her.

 

He said kindly, “I don’t mind at all, in fact I enjoyed not having to carry the conversation and think too much for once. I also learned a lot of valuable information about Franky and that makes your deal seem all the more advantageous for me. It would be incredibly stupid if I rejected your deal.”

 

She asked, “So can we please just get on with the marriage then?”

 

He said, “No, I still want you to draw up a proper list of demands. Why are you in such a hurry though? You honestly seem much happier here than you ever were as royalty.”

 

She said, “I am happy, I just feel like you’re too good to be true and that you’ll change your mind if I wait for too long.”

 

He assured her, “I promise I won’t.”

 

She looked away unsurely and he reached across the table for her hands.

 

The gesture surprised her and she looked at him inquisitively, only for the suspicion to melt away on seeing the sincerity in his eyes.

 

She smiled and he let go after telling her to go on. She immediately obeyed and the rest of the night was spent with him listening to her while they had a delicious dinner. He was almost upset to go to bed but then he realised that he was going to spend the rest of his life with her so it didn’t matter if they had to stop for today