Tamlin blinked at Ranuk's question, both surprised and not at the same time.  The demons had been welcomed into the castle, into the kingdom, but that was only the 'official' version of policy-- many were still vehemently angry, would never accept the demons as enemies-turned-friends.<br/><br/>Perhaps Ranuk had imagined a much more negative reaction, or a fiance who would vocalize his distaste and fear... though apparently Ranuk could tell he was scared, and Tamlin couldn't deny it.<br/><br/>[I cannot say I am not afraid.  I see my brother's face.  I know you hurt him.]  Tamlin's hands were graceful even in their hesitations, slim grey fingers curving into the signs.  He didn't want to upset Ranuk by making it seem he expected his fiance to act like a beast, even if he still had doubts.  [But Naviin would have hurt you, too.]<br/><br/>"I am not my brother."  Tamlin spoke aloud as he signed; it was important to him that Ranuk understand that, though they were related, he and Naviin were two very different people.  Naviin's fury was not his fury, Naviin's prejudice was something Tamlin wished to stay away from, even if it was all around him in others.<br/><br/>[I am not a soldier], he started signing again, motions more certain.  Tamlin had never been in battle, never seen the kinds of war that both Naviin and Ranuk were familiar with.  He wasn't made for that kind of thing.  [But I want to do my duty for my family... for my people... I want to make our marriage work.]<br/><br/>[So I speak to you.]  Tamlin was still staring, but his gaze had lost some of the cautious edge, calmer now.  He had hoped to be able to at least communicate with the demon he was going to be paired with, and that seemed successful...  They didn't have to like each other, just understand each other.