[ she laughs. she says those words - i can see you - and looking in her eyes, he knows she's speaking true. of course she has the eyes of a faerie. what other choice would there be, for his wife?

he clings even tighter, digs his fingers in as if he had claws to latch on with, breathes in his queen's scent and sound and beautiful, wonderful laughter. and hesitantly, slowly at first, he spits out- ]

I hate you.

[ but there's no sense in listening to the drivel he speaks now, is there? not when every last word is spelled out for her, so pristine and beautiful. so he says unimaginable, worthless things, curses against her name, and the whole while she sees the truth- ]

I love you. I love you, Master- Ai-, no, Titania. My wife. My queen. I've been waiting all this time, and now-

[ his voice trembles. his breath quavers. ]

You're here with me. And- and I'll say it as many times as you need, you little minx. I love you. I love you. I love you. Humanity, fairies, mages - they can rot, or they can thrive, and not a bit of it matters. You're here. I love you.