Her?
Celestia?
The very idea that she would be the one to hesitate that she would be the one measured?evaluated? And even warned ignited something sharp and instinctive inside her. Her chin lifted almost imperceptibly, shoulders drawing back into perfect alignment as though her spine itself rejected the implication. She met his crimson gaze head-on, unflinching, regal, composed. Even if that faint, traitorous shiver still lingered beneath her skin, she did not allow it to reach her expression.
He thinks I won't dare? The thought cut through her like a blade. He thinks I'll back down?
Her pride would never allow that. Pride was not just emotion for her; it was structure. It was foundation. It was identity. She had been raised to rule, raised to dominate, raised to stand above all others without wavering. To falter in front of him or anyone was unthinkable thing to do for her.. To leavel of tabbo to be scared and spressed by anyone.
