There were a lot of potential reactions she could have pictured: anger, boredom, arrogance, to say a few. But never in her right mind would she have thought to see Daishoga laugh at her words. She was completely dumbfounded and stared at the Emperor, wide-eyed and shocked. The innocent laugh that he produced seemed so out of place and yet so natural. It was definitely part of him, but she had never expected something like it to come out of his mind. Sajedene had no idea how to react, other than stare at him and wonder what in the world she had just said to produce such a laugh out of him. For some reason she wanted to apologize, but that wouldn't make any sense.<br/><br/>His smile took her off-guard as well. It was so... inviting. Nothing like the dark Emperor a few moments ago. It almost felt like she could see his face more clearly now and it only confused her further. Was this really Daishoga or just an imposter? What was really going on here? She tried to think of logical explanations, but nothing seemed plausible enough. He had already showed his remarkable magical powers and killed a man and now he was on his knees, almost naked and laughing and what she was saying. Sajedene offered him a tentative smile, not wanting to seem rude for not participating in his joy, whatever the cause of it had been. Finally he spoke and told her that she had amused him, and that he preferred her over a virtuous woman she had just described. "You are too kind to me, your Highness." Sajedene managed to say and flinched slightly when he reached out for her again and caressed her face. "I'm scarcely worth your attention."<br/><br/>Too kind? Yes, considering the reputation he had.<br/><br/>Suddenly he was much closer than earlier, his lips nearly touching hers. But she could see him hesitate, perhaps even feel fear towards what he was doing. His hands were trembling and she wondered whether she had said something wrong after all. Maybe she had hit a sore spot? That had not been her intention and she hoped he understood that. Sajedene began feeling slightly uncomfortable under his gaze and with no other words from him, she began to also worry she had seriously insulted him and he was just putting on some sort of wicked show for her before ending her life. She hoped from the bottom of her heart that the hope she had for Daishoga was no misplaced, that he did indeed have a kind heart somewhere deep down.<br/><br/>And then, unexpectedly, he kissed her. She was so shocked that the first few seconds of their embrace she was frozen still, unable to respond or fight back. Never would she have expected him to be so... gentle, so pleasant. But despite that, little by little Sajedene came to her senses and managed to react by pushing him away and planting a slap on his cheek. As soon as she realized what she had done, she covered her mouth in shock and stared at him in horror. Oh. Oh no, what had she done?! She slapped the Emperor! Oh no, she was such a poor fool. Sajedene reached out for him with her hands, but hesitate, not sure if she was allowed to touch him and then pulled away. But she had to do something! She couldn't just... She reached out for him again and took his face in her hands to see if he had actually been hurt. Thankfully there was only a slightly red mark on his cheek.<br/><br/>"Oh god, I am so sorry your Highness!" She blurted. "Please, I... I just... I didn't expect it... Forgive me. Are you hurt?" Sajedene placed her cold hand on his cheek where she had hit him, hoping to ease the pain if there was any. "I'm so sorry... I'm not used to the idea of... well..." She struggled, desperately trying to find the right words. "... being a personal servant."