[ Confirmation received, he has not the first clue what to do with it, like a puzzle box you can't discern the first move to open.

His hands tighten on his glass and he breaks eye contact, remembering some of those moments cuddling in bed himself. That seems simultaneously a long time ago and just yesterday, but the prevailing memories of this lifetime win out and it ends up making him feel shy. Gregor is so very far from feeling like anyone would want to cuddle in bed with him that didn't just want to be Empress... Of course, the whole idea of Miles as Empress is laughable. But he doesn't know where to begin with it either. ]

There's a few differences, [ he agrees slowly. ] I think it was kinder to... give me the links without all my preceding dread of that very reality. I'm accustomed to them now. [ With the occasional migraine and after years of debilitating issues, but nonetheless this is an easier topic than the elephant in the room. ]

And I never had you brought up for treason, [ he adds, abrupt. ] Good God, I just remembered that. That's one improvement.