Contemplating

I involuntarily took a step back from the founder of the Imperion Empire, my mind buzzing with a swarm of thoughts and emotions racing too quickly to identify. Fear and anger vied for control of my reactions, but for once, reason prevailed.

We maintained our stances for a moment. Kyran continued observing Thaleia. Something about their mutual gaze hinted at a prior acquaintance. I couldn't fathom how, given Kyran's age was synonymous with the Empire, and Thaleia was under a millennium old, however you counted.

Kyran broke the silence, "So, are you planning to stand up?"

Her eyes sparked with anger. She growled, "No, I'll stay right here indefinitely." Yes, I'm aware there's no sibilance in her words. It doesn't matter; she growled.

Kyran chuckled. "Very well," he said. "Should you ever wish to rise, feel free to approach me." He began to walk away, paused, and turned to look at me. For some reason, I couldn't meet his gaze. He asked, "Do you have anything to tell me?"