[ She finds she cannot look away from his gaze. It is not piercing, calculated, or even sharp as it might be if the weight did not crush him as it was. He had never wished to be the leader of Ishgard; he merely wanted the best for his city-state. Now he is saddled with this responsibility and weight because he dare lead the charge on the truth. She will not let him bare it alone; even if she must be the Warrior of Light for him and not herself.

Her head shakes gently against his. One ear turns as she hears the footsteps of the steward leave the room. The hand with the mastery ring cups the side of his face once again. ]

Aymeric. You are a man--an extraordinary man--but still one nonetheless. All must have times where the mantle slips and they are themselves. You have no reason on this star to ever be anything but with me.

[ She tilts her head up in order to kiss the side of his head. All she desires in that moment is for him to stop holding the weight of Ishgard; to take off the mantle and be the person he finds himself so rarely being able to be. If he refuses, there is little she can do, but that is what she hopes for. ]

I would rather see your ungraceful side now and again. [ An attempt at a light jest to at least show him that she sees him no different. ] Menphina Herself could not change how I see you... nor Hydaelyn.