[IRP] Power Begets Power

[Swift_Assassin]

Shad was only partially paying attention as the group progressed towards their destination. He tried not to eavesdrop on Cecily and Orica and didn't want to further harm any relationship towards Cecily by talking with Lita. So he didn't notice that Satsume went off without them and only snapped out of it when Cecily sat next to him. When she began speaking to him, it was a curious thing. Then the husband line dropped. He turned towards her, getting out a small "Wha-" before she cut him off and continued. This plan seemed similar to one he had experienced before meeting her. Although that one was more convoluted, he wasn't clued in on it, and it ultimately backfired. "We-" Cut off again. Now he has a threat against his well-being if he was to blackmail her.

"Uh-" Once more, before Shad can interject anything into the conversation, the guards were already at the wagon. Shit, Shad thought. No way out of this, huh? When she leaned in to kiss him, he reciprocated and placed an arm around her back. He didn't quite know how to go about this platonic kiss that was meant to look real. He pulled away and looked over towards the opening. "I think we're good."

He looked away from Cecily to avoid her seeing how flush he had gotten. "If I ever tried that, Cass would probably kill me. I'm content with our current working relationship. No need to bring this up again," Shad replied, finally able to get a word in. This was certainly different than acting as Wolfram's crippled assistant to get into Pharae's castle library. This was a much better experience, definitely less degrading, but this may be worse for his health in the long run.