The smirking magi knew how to bring out the other her - the one that was brought out through protecting the rukh that surrounded her.
Still hovering over her, he lowered himself ever so slightly, so his face was just a hairsbreadth away from her own. He watched for any subtle changes in her expression.
There was none.
His eyes slid down her sweet face until they reached her pouting lips, and he knew she had noticed him do it by her reddening face.
Gradually, the rukh edged closer to her and was almost engulfing her completely; Judar could just about stay near her without getting knocked away.
His lips brushed hers, and that was the final straw.
The rukh rushed to her and sheltered her, blocking her from Judar's line of sight.
With a burst of light, the rukh was blasted away and Sera was now kneeling on the bed. Her chest rose violently with every heave of her breath.
She rubbed at her lips furiously, and her eyes narrowed as they looked on to the dark magi, who was now chuckling softly at her changed appearance.
Gone was the pitiful princess.
His plan had worked.
Now it's time to play with the prideful princess.