Orion was not the least bit surprised when Cassiopeia retreated from his touch, though for a second or two, she did seem interested.  As much as he may have wanted to kiss her, he refrained from forcing himself upon her.  After all, not only would that have been un-Princely behavior, but more importantly, it just wasn’t his style.  Where the fairer sex was concerned, he had enough overly aggressive mates.  There was absolutely no desire from him to add his name to that list.  Let someone else bask in that kind of boorish behavior.<br/><br/>Apparently, there was more baggage the Princess wished to unload.  He was fine with that.  Listening didn’t cost anything, and it required minimal effort, if any.  What Orion found the most surprising, however, was the amount of negativity aimed within.  While it seemed to him that she was nearing the end of beating herself up, Cassiopeia concluded, “I know you can bring an end to this by telling your mother about who I really am."<br/><br/>Shortly after a furrowed brow, the Prince enquired, “And why would I tell Mother any such thing, Highness?  If you are already aware of all that you just said, surely there’s ample opportunity for you to change.”  He smiled at her in a reassuring manner, he hoped.  “Besides, I’m not all that sure I’d care to see a change in you.  Most, if not all, of the princesses I’ve met are either too arrogant, too prim and proper, or too full of themselves.  Worst case scenario?  All of the above.”  Orion laughed while picturing a few of those princesses.  He shuddered at the image of being married to any of them.<br/><br/>“Ever since we met, I’ve always liked that spunk in you.  That fighting spirit, so to speak.  That attitude that says,<i>I ain’t taking shit from anybody.</i>”  He chuckled again prior to saying, “Pardon my French, and horrible grammar.”<br/><br/>Orion nodded slightly, but just enough for Cassiopeia to notice the movement.  “I’m also quite unsure as to who you really are.  So you see, it’s not like I have anything to tell Mother anyway,” he stated flatly, but with a smile.