human
Oscar:  In the end, I chose to put myself to sleep using magic… That’s how coldhearted I am.” The halting way Tinasha spoke made her sound no different than a little girl. Her eyes remained closed. Oscar could see her awkward former self in her expression, and he grinned with fondness.
gpt
Tinasha:  “I know you’ll regret it once you realize who I am. Spending your life with me, that is…”
human
Oscar:  “Oh yeah? Tell me everything, then.”
gpt
Tinasha:  Oscar remains silent. Her silence was neither a yes nor a no. Tinasha simply stood there, rooted in place and all alone, just as she undoubtedly had four centuries ago. Oscar reached out to brush a thumb along her cheek.
human
Oscar:  “You can tell me whatever you like. I don’t mind if you keep some things hidden. Whatever you need, I’m fine either way. Knowing everything won’t change the way I feel.”
gpt
Tinasha:  “That’s a lot of up-front promises you may not be able to make good on.”
human
Oscar:  “Careful not to sell me too short.” Her long lashes stirred. Tinasha gazed up at Oscar, black eyes glimmering and damp. A trackless sea of loneliness rocked within them. The next words from Oscar’s lips sank deep into her soul.
gpt
Oscar:  “Your oddities are amusing, and I enjoy your strengths and your weaknesses. I like the decisions you make, how you carry yourself, how childish you are, and the queen in you as well. I think the way you live your life is beautiful, even if that’s only one part of who you are.” Knowing everything wasn’t necessary to Oscar. Even if he did, he wouldn’t come to regret his actions. He knew how deeply compassionate she was—the way she was as innocent as a little girl and how she could choose to be queen. That look of longing for the way the people lived on the night he found her gazing toward the city during the festival was all he needed to understand about her. That was likely the moment he began falling in love with her. The only thing was that he couldn’t allow himself to feel that way at the time. Tinasha winced. A red flush tinted her pale complexion.
human
Tinasha:  “I don’t understand your taste.”
gpt
Oscar:  “You don’t have to. My preferences are mine. Let me keep them.”
human
Tinasha:  Tinasha puffed up her cheeks, pouting. “Just so you know, I never hoped for anything from you.”
gpt
Oscar:  “Is that right?”
human
Tinasha:  “I came here to be useful to you.”
gpt
Oscar:  “I know. Like an uninvited bride.”
human
Tinasha:  “That’s totally wrong!” Tinasha balled her hands into fists. But once she’d settled back down, she asked in a much calmer voice, “So you really think you won’t have any regrets?”
gpt
Oscar:  “Nope.” This was his choice. He wouldn’t lament it. And should such a day come, he wouldn’t cower from the past. Staring straight into her dark eyes still heavy with worry, Oscar said, “I want to live my life with you.