Tarkus’ cheeks did not lose their flushed hue when Layla threw herself  at his feet, hugging his legs and pressing her face to his thigh. Why under the Gods he blushed at something so tragic, despite her nakedness and provocative stance, was something he mentally scolded himself for.<br/><br/>You’re incorrigible. She’s miserable… He thought to himself. He needed to rectify how he left her. He hoped he was not entirely responsible for her tears. Perhaps it was simply that the sight of her body was still new to him, and maybe her manic sadness being baseless ensured it did not remove the blush. He felt terrible about it, despite his hyperactive imagination taking in her form and ignoring the tears.<br/><br/>It was a flattering expression on him, exposing his true nature as a young man instead of a stern leader and harem “manager”.  His hard, toned body mixed with an occasional softness of heart were a potent combination, even if unintentional and unwanted if he had his way.<br/><br/>“What?” Was all he could say when her rapid volley of words came to an end. “Stand, Layla, please.” His hands touched her arms which clung around him, making him fight for balance through her tight cling. “Let’s speak, just you and I…I fear I’ve not made your first day in my service particularly enjoyable, which was not my desire at all. Please, come with me.” He said when he finally coaxed her to stand.  He wished he had a full cloak to wrap about her, but he was only wearing a small open-faced shirt and baggy long shorts. Her nudity meant he would not desire to parade her through the halls to the next-closest lounge.<br/><br/>“This way.” He said, leading her toward his chambers. It was not customary for consorts to be in his private sleeping chambers, and it was forbidden without his permission. It was intended to be a last bastion of solace in a palace eager for his attention. It was certainly not forbidden, however, it was simply less ostentatious, and not meant for other eyes.<br/><br/>His own eyes fell over her body again as they walked, though in a different way. He eyed her scars and bruises, yet while it still flared up an anger in him, he also felt closer to her somehow. Perhaps it was sympathy, but more so he thought it was her strength. HE was not particularly adept at handling pain…when he felt it that was. Him punching a fissure into the pillar was still unnerving to him. For her to withstand that spoke much for her resolve to endure. He wanted nothing more than to make the rest of her days wrapped in luxury.<br/><br/>He unlocked the door to his chambers with a small key that hung inside his shorts, tied around his gold silk wrap around his waist. It was comfortable inside, though not nearly as lavish as the chambers Aisha and her would occupy. It was only moderately sized, but it was noticeable cooler. Vents made the room very well ventilated, and it was likely the reason it was his sleeping quarters. Silk cushions and a large bed were wrapped in thin silk, and holes for light beamed down from stories above, beyond the few well-used candles.<br/><br/>“Now…Let’s start over…” He said, sitting her down while he grabbed one of the large sheets to garb herself with if she wished. "Don't concern yourself with the joining ritual..." He said, trying to convince himself as much as her. He sat next to her, putting a hand across her back on her opposite shoulder. "The sin is against those that brought you to me with no knowledge of what to expect. You've done nothing wrong but show the compassion of a woman that has kept her humanity despite..." He could not say the words that formed ghastly images in his mind. "Despite everything. Let us begin anew...welcome to my service, Layla. I hope you will find life comfortable, I wish for little else but that you find happiness under my care and attentions."<br/><br/>Focusing on her instead of what had happened to him was making him feel great. Somehow it was encouraging him to forget it entirely, as though his body was building an instinct to not think about it, lest he be wracked with physical pain.<br/>