( just as it had opened, the door closes behind them.

pierce waits for aemond to settle in the room, before he speaks. )

I'm not seeking a favor. ( he draws closer to him, until he can easily brace his hands on either side of him upon the surface of the table. ) Or a social call. ( he raises his hand to tap the corner of his dark blue mask. ) Kind of a mood killer.

( one thing for a masquerade mask to be a temporary accessory, but when it suddenly becomes a more permanent fixture, let's just say that he isn't too thrilled about his own magic being surpassed by some unknown force. )

I just wanted you to hear this directly from me. ( he makes certain that their gaze meet. ) I'm a witch. Natural born. Magic courses through my veins because it's my birthright. I don't need acceptance and I damn well don't fear persecution. I only... ( he draws in a quiet breath. ) wanted to do this the right way. With you. ( —to take back some control, at least enough to last him until the end of this game. )

I also wanted to thank you. ( he reclines back now, retracting his hands. ) For contacting me when you did.