Alden chuckled as he gently cupped the prince's chin, just like he had before.<br/><br/>"Perhaps it's because we're told how wonderful everything will be when we're young. But as soon as something bad happens, we feel it can only go downhill from there. And the only solace we have is to prepare for the worst or otherwise risk losing what little we have left..." he spoke softly, his own eyelids drooping slightly as he gazed into Abir's eyes.<br/><br/>"Speaking of taking what you want... I think since I started it last time, perhaps you can show me what you have as a kisser, hm?" he asked with a calm smile.