<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">“First off, how many times do I have to stress that I was young? The only reason I remembered you is because our fathers were hoping to ensure we would be close, so the ‘great kingdom that would never fall’ would have a strong generation to follow them. Or did your puppeteer outside not teach you that part of politics?” </span>Maleki said, matching her in volume.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">“Secondly, no. I am not the only one who gets to feel sorrow. I am the only one who seems to have made peace with it. You aren’t the first to lose your family. I did as well, and I wish I could have only watched. But I wasn’t allowed that luxury. And I have managed to come to peace with that fact. But then I made peace with the Red and lived on. At least until it was thrown right back into my face.”</span><br/><br/>And then the matter of his reputation returned. She was assuming once again, and hoping for the best. Or at worst, she went behind his back and fixed the mess.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">“Really? Because before I came and save your ass, I remember him specifically saying that he would never hire me again. Or did Storka not tell you that detail once she made me come and get you? Unless she did tell you and you stuck your nose into that business as well.” </span>Maleki countered with.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">“You, or should I say the bitch who controls you, cause me to take actions I don't normally take and that’s ruined my reputation. Ain’t nothing about being dramatic, it is about being practical.”</span><br/><br/>Now she was taunting him, and that pushed Maleki even further over the edge. He did not even grab the shirt as it connected with his chest, choosing to step forward until there was barely any room left between the two of them. His hand moved up and grabbed hold of her chin, forcing her to look directly at him as he set the record straight.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">“I have fucking tried to escape,”</span>Maleki said sharply.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#4da6ff">“I tried to leave you before I went to sign up with Barnstorm, but the crone stopped me. I tried to leave after Barnstorm, but Tommen fucking tracked me. I have wanted nothing more than to escape, but every time I tried, I was miraculously foiled. So do not think for a second that I do not want to leave. But at this point, I am thinking you aren’t the only one with magic.”</span>