[Much like most other things--the only words and thoughts he's listening to are his own. So while he hears Karna's claim to not be a woman, he's not actually hearing it. Continuing to descend the long set of stairs that lead up to his throne.
It's only when he reaches the bottom that he makes a wide gesture for Karna to be brought fourth to him. Nitocris barking out the order for Karna to walk forward so the king can look properly on him--even if the lingering feeling of how stupid the man seemed in this moment was still on her face.
Once he's close enough, the hand that isn't holding fast his staff reaches up to touch Karna's chin. Angling the man's face from one side to the other, to get a good look at him.
His features are sharp but somehow soft at some angles, and his skin is even more beautiful at close quarters like these. His eyebrows furrow, and he shakes his head. No.]
Do not play me for a fool! There is no need to hide such things from me. While our opponents feel so secure in their strength to send a woman out to lead their armies, I would not give you insult due to gender alone! There are many women on this earth who deserve to be exalted due to their strength and beauty, after all, like my late wife Nefertari...
[And there's a sound, as Nitocris clears her throat. Apparently saving Karna a speech about aforementioned wife. You should be thankful, Karna.
He frowns at the mage, but shakes his head as he seems to re-focus, looking down at the pale man with a nod.]
Very good. That sort of attitude suits me well! I will grow to appreciate it, as we will be within each others' company daily after this day. Let our enemies know that we have taken the pale-skinned warrior as tribute, and she is to be my wife and consort from this day forward. So I have said it, and it is to be known.
[He seems so proud of himself--as how better to insult the enemy after taking a prisoner of war than to station them to become one of Ozymandias' many wives?]
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2018-10-02 05:22 pm (UTC)It's only when he reaches the bottom that he makes a wide gesture for Karna to be brought fourth to him. Nitocris barking out the order for Karna to walk forward so the king can look properly on him--even if the lingering feeling of how stupid the man seemed in this moment was still on her face.
Once he's close enough, the hand that isn't holding fast his staff reaches up to touch Karna's chin. Angling the man's face from one side to the other, to get a good look at him.
His features are sharp but somehow soft at some angles, and his skin is even more beautiful at close quarters like these. His eyebrows furrow, and he shakes his head. No.]
Do not play me for a fool! There is no need to hide such things from me. While our opponents feel so secure in their strength to send a woman out to lead their armies, I would not give you insult due to gender alone! There are many women on this earth who deserve to be exalted due to their strength and beauty, after all, like my late wife Nefertari...
[And there's a sound, as Nitocris clears her throat. Apparently saving Karna a speech about aforementioned wife. You should be thankful, Karna.
He frowns at the mage, but shakes his head as he seems to re-focus, looking down at the pale man with a nod.]
Very good. That sort of attitude suits me well! I will grow to appreciate it, as we will be within each others' company daily after this day. Let our enemies know that we have taken the pale-skinned warrior as tribute, and she is to be my wife and consort from this day forward. So I have said it, and it is to be known.
[He seems so proud of himself--as how better to insult the enemy after taking a prisoner of war than to station them to become one of Ozymandias' many wives?]