Good question, my lady. I suppose I don’t. Tut. Such a shame…

Dante felt especially open and playful in this moment. As much as he tried not to dwell, she had made such a beautiful request of him. His gentle heart thudded in his chest, warmth settling low in his stomach. A lightness, one he was growing more familiar with whenever Apple was near, rested over him, in the way he moved, the way he carried himself.

His tail wagged a little more eagerly as he turned from her and began to saunter off, casting a smug smirk back over his shoulder at the golden goddess.

His pace was slow enough that she caught him easily, and when she did, he offered a soft nudge of his shoulder against hers.

Then a thought struck him.

His gaze shifted toward her.

Does your brother know your intentions?

A faint, uncomfortable prickle crept beneath his skin. Surely she had spoken with the King about something like this… why did the thought feel… tainted?

He’s very protective of you. I don’t think he likes me much.

Careful with his tone, he watched her for a reaction. Was he being paranoid, or had she noticed it too?

The way her brother looked at him… almost competitive.