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"I paid only the highest compliment. Perhaps you are just too simple to fully grasp the matter being discussed. That is fine. Magnanimous as I am, I will forgive your ignorance this once."

"A shame, is it not? If everyone would simply find the sense to sing my praises, perhaps the world would be a better place. You are free to be the harbinger of this new era!"

"To say you have 'plenty' may be accurate. I admit your reserves are not wanting for much. However, that means nothing! In my time, I established a law for those who thought to take what's mine. Perhaps I will simply... take it back. And what of my calling a mongrel a mongrel?"

"A king without arrogance is a king doomed to fail. To understand and acknowledge one's superiority over others is to be capable of leading the masses. Expect nothing less."

"An unnecessary reason, but I suppose it is reason nonetheless. To answer your silly question, it is simply because all things of great value are mine to possess! Even if strong-walled Uruk stands no more, that is a law I will continue to enforce."

"H'oh? You, who led only a band of monsters, would speak to a king above all of leadership? Snakes are often untrustworthy, but I may put my faith in this one as a capable jester."

"Laughable, isn't it? That was quite the day. The point stands. What did this attempt at 'peace' get you for your efforts?"

"Yes, unnecessary! You say you could be killed, and I say by whom? You wouldn't even have the need for my might if you resolved yourself to destroy your opposition; something I know you to be capable of."

"Therein lies the answer. You are a fool. A curse is what you make of it."

Such foolishness. She should be fully aware by now how quickly he is willing to overwork himself in other regards, should she merely rouse him from a long slumber.

The king would wonder what he's allegedly done this time... but at a certain point, it was easy to assume this is but a greeting.

Perhaps she underestimates how easily he can be woken. A whisper was more than enough ─ particularly one carrying such a pointed message directly to his ear. "Is 'burial' a strong enough word, Lioness? Speak softly of your desires in continuance, and there shall be entombment."

"Where, you ask? Even you must be privy to the latest casino that has since terminated its operations. Of course, that was my doing!"

A hand reached the master's cheek as well, but it was no pinch. His palm rested against the side of her face as his trademark gaze of arrogance was cast upon her. "None of that. Reunions are to be a thing of celebration ─ never of mourning moments lost. Be joyous."

"The words have finally escaped you, have they? Surely you have a few more floating around in that head of yours."

An exhale through the nose was a sign of restrained snickering from the king. In that same moment, his hand landed atop her head to hold it in place. "Don't be so foolish. A moment like this is precisely when I should wake, is it not? Continue singing such sweet songs, Inanna."

"H'oh? Did I miss the chance to see an abundance of weeping and wailing at the lack of my great presence? No matter. As I am here now, I will settle for beaming. Show me joy, Aelia; I will absorb the sight."