[ Hunter is being terribly rough and ready with Rafa's new thralls. Rafa frowns at the way he shoves them, making them stumble and stand warily back. ]

You had better not scratch them, Hunter.

[ He says, irritated, and then looks up at Hunter. His eyes widen a little at those declarations. Hunter, so strong and authoritative, standing up to him, commanding him. Rafa's lips curl into a humourless smile. He's full of self-knowledge right now. He manages to hold his silence until that last question, when finally he laughs, and strides off behind the throne. ]

Shane? That miserable half-breed would do all in his power to coax me. How terrible he would find all this, how disappointed he would be. His whining has held me back for centuries. But worry not! His hold on me is gone. You, I still have hope for.

[ Hunter, his general, the best fighter in this world apart from Rafa himself. The great difference is, Rafa wants this one at his side, heading his army. Hunter remains useful to him. ]

You should know. The way you just spoke to me? Yesterday, it would have made me melt against you. But I think we stay.

[ Coming around the other side of the throne, he drapes back down into it. At his gesture, one of the thralls comes to kneel before him, and Rafa crosses his feet atop his back. ]