Surely you know the favor of a king is its own prize. [ At least, that is what Lucius remembers. His claws continue to smooth up and down Eridanus' spine, and his head leans back, as though his consort's over-eager claws were the touch of a seasoned masseur instead. ] Fulgrim's eyes were upon me, and that meant the rest of the Legion followed. My lesser brothers vied for my company, and officers more senior than I opened their ranks to me, offering me privileges and luxuries beyond my grasp as a novice captain.

Of course, [ the words are a half-sigh, and with the same idleness, Lucius catches the base of Eridanus' wagging tail within the crook of his thumb and tugs, ] I snubbed them. You know me well enough, Eridanus, to understand that command is nothing more than a means to an end for me. Besides... A larger bed might be more comfortable, but the First Captain's seething face was priceless!

[ A short laugh punctuates the words. ]