#mag: continues to prove he's threatened and more or less admits it here ??? WHAT ARE YOU

[magnifiico]

There’s a spark. A miniature jolt that sends ribbons of static bounding across the king’s skin, down to those rigid fingertips that again twitch—no, they abhorrently flinch—despite his best efforts to steel them. He weathers a taut pull in his shoulders, muscles coiling ever tighter into condensed springs on the verge of release, and for what? The mantra again—the reminder: He’s not a threat. No matter the countenance, the irksome arrogance streaming through every crack in his facade, the manner in which he brazenly dismisses everything Magnifico has done to get here as if he is naught but his magic tricks…

Oh, no. No, no no no. He is no threat.

He’s but a little bird twittering shrilly in the ear of one desiring to rest—

He’s a pest.

Another careful, regulated exhale, one complemented by a hum, and the king presents his esteemed guest with an ever so patient smile. (Though it may be quavering at one corner; let’s not look too closely for it.) “Yes, well, magic is a splendor, certainly, but I trust you know there’s far more to maintaining the peace and order of an entire kingdom than a few”—now he looses a hand from behind his back, flourishes it in the air to mirror the musician—“fancy flaunts and shows. After all, that is more in your field of expertise…”

That same hand falls limp at his chest, fingers fluttering over the V of his neckline. “—isn’t it?” Feigned placating creases form at the corners of his eyes, embellishments to the true nature dancing behind them. He holds that pose, that stare, his thumb idly smoothing up his patterned collar—until an aloof chuckle resounds in his throat. “Señor de la Cruz—”

A single step. King Magnifico draws nearer, again a picture of sophistication, of hardly more than a generous, cordial exchange. “You’re quite right; your talents are nothing to blink at. In fact, I’ve heard the stories myself—the dedication and passion you’ve poured into your journey to success. Really, that… is an inspiration,” he concedes, diplomatically pleasant. “No small amount of… ah, sacrifice, I’d imagine? But I fear you may have misunderstood my intentions.” His attention strays from Ernesto’s face, momentarily distant and thoughtful; that smile relaxes in his cheeks.

“My first priority is my people.” I do everything for them. They don’t need and shouldn’t want anything more. (They shouldn’t want you.) “You’ll have to forgive me for my caution when welcoming strangers with your, let’s say… particular influence within our borders.”

𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 for the charro to not outright laugh . which admittedly would be his doom ... probably . from what he's heard , the king of rosas is no ordinary king ⸻ and that was made all too evident the moment he stepped foot on his territory . the first thing he noticed were rustic yet pristine streets adorned with all manner of mural and statue in his honor . that's rather ordinary , right ? any kingdom with a good king would be commemorated as such .

but he's heard talk ⸻ from the townsfolk . evidently , the king happens to be a sorcerer capable of granting wishes . and if that provokes a pinch of jealousy in ernesto ( what greedy man would not hunger for power ? ) , he reminds himself of the fact that the king stands upon a glass pedestal . besides ... could the people truly love a king so reverently by dint of his virtues , and not the potential of their wish being made reality ? seems a little opportunistic , if you ask him ...

nevertheless , whatever power he wields holds just enough sway to have ernesto exercising a modicum of decorum ... but goodness , it's hard ! magnifico latches onto his pride so tightly , as if he has something to lose if he relinquishes it ... hah . perhaps he too craves the spotlight . has the king fashioned him into a rival already ? well ... perhaps he should be positively flattered . here stands one handsome hombre with status , and a glorious kingdom , yet all it took was a foreign celebrity to stoke his flames ?

how adorable . that condescending air ⸻ the words that belittle his own status and talent ⸻ would be far more difficult to digest if king magnifico did not wear his heart on his sleeve so eagerly .

❛ oh , por favor ... everyone remembers me ... i know how to leave an impression , señor ... and unlike you , i do not need magic to do it , ❜ he says , words dragged ever so slightly , etched with a playful drawl as he gestures with his hand carelessly at the other , as though he were speaking to none other than an old friend . ❛ don't tell me ... is the king of rosas afraid to be outshone by a common man ? though i assure you ... there is no one else like me in this world . ❜