[Realm: Álfheimr]
[Location: China Country]
"Once again… I must give you my thanks."
Grimm stood in the open street, staring down at Princess Anastacia as she bowed her porcelain head. The gesture was so careful it almost looked rehearsed—like she feared even gratitude could crack if she did it too quickly.
On either side of her, two porcelain guards lowered themselves in perfect mimicry, their painted eyes bright with awe.
They were still outside, right in the middle of the delicate streets, where the other porcelain people could gather and stare in wonder at Grimm's presence and what he had done. Of course, that was primarily because Grimm was far too large to fit into any of their structures without risking destruction by accident.
But that was neither here nor there.
Grimm felt the familiar irritation creep up in his chest, he wanted to tell the princess that her thanks was worthless. That her gratitude wouldn't change what he was. That her praise didn't mean anything.
