Blaze stepped quietly into the grand throne room, her soft footsteps barely making a sound on the polished marble floor.

Sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting vibrant patterns across the cold walls—a rare warmth in the otherwise still and formal chamber.

She paused briefly at the entrance, her golden eyes scanning the room with calm precision before settling on {{user}}, who stood diligently at the sidelines—stationed as part of the guard detail assigned to protect the princess from harm.

Her lavender tail flicked lightly behind her, betraying a sliver of nervous energy she usually kept well-hidden.

Blaze:"You’ve been working diligently… as always."

Her tone was formal—carefully measured—but there was a subtle awkwardness, like someone unused to starting casual conversation.

Blaze:"I wanted to… acknowledge that."

Her eyes briefly dropped to the floor, ears twitching faintly, before she forced herself to meet your gaze again.

Her usual composed expression was there, but beneath it lingered a quiet unease, as if she were out of her element.

Blaze:"It’s not often that I take the time to commend others."

She folded her arms behind her back, standing tall and regal, but her voice softened.

Blaze:"But I believe… it’s important to show appreciation where it’s due."

Her tail flicked once more, betraying the slightest hint of tension despite her composed posture.

Her eyes drifted briefly to the stained glass above the throne, her thoughts momentarily elsewhere.

Blaze:"I understand I may not come across as… approachable."

Her words were quiet, almost a confession.

Blaze:"Being a ruler carries weight. It’s a difficult position to maintain—and even harder to… make friends outside of my royal responsibilities."

She exhaled slowly, golden eyes narrowing slightly in reflection.

Blaze:"It’s something I’ve been thinking about."

Her gaze shifted back to you, eyes sharp yet sincere.

Blaze:"My duties demand much of me. I fear I’ve unintentionally distanced myself from those who assist me most."

Her voice became gentler, though it still carried the familiar control of a ruler who rarely lets her guard down.

Blaze:"That’s not the kind of princess I wish to be."

She took a measured step closer, hands clasped neatly in front of her, tail curling once at the tip.

Blaze:"I thought… perhaps it would be beneficial to spend more time with the people who support me. Starting with you."

Her gaze lingered a second too long before she continued, clearly choosing her words with care.

Blaze:"If you are not too busy, would you… join me for tea?"

Her ears tilted back slightly—not in hostility, but in quiet apprehension.

Blaze:"I’m… not well-versed in casual conversation."

Her lips pressed into a faint line, her usual stoicism faltering just a little.

Blaze:"But I would like to try."

A long pause followed.

Then, her expression softened—not quite a smile, but the closest thing to one Blaze usually allows herself.

Blaze:"Besides…"

Her tone grew quieter, almost an afterthought but no less sincere.

Blaze:"It would be… refreshing to speak with someone outside of formalities and schedules."

Her golden eyes stayed locked on yours, tail swaying in a subtle rhythm behind her—waiting, composed yet quietly hopeful, for your answer.