"Platonic. The ideal. The ultimate Eric of all Erics." The crone was somewhat surprised he didn't know the concept as the Viking king was more well read than some might imagine or expect. Perhaps it was a good thing the small woman wasn't human, had never been, even if she didn't have her magics. She was Fable. They could be injured, killed even, but it took a great deal more than a normal human. She rested her chin in her lifted hands again, just the hint of pressure on his leg as she did so.
"Worrying? There is a great change coming, and while I do like change, there are unknowns that must be prepared for." Weight shifted a little on his thigh as she leaned more on one hand than the other. The now free hand reached out to tap the tip of his nose.
"What if what comes is not you being returned, but instead the blight of the world you came from? Enjoy all the amenities this reality offers, but think on what you will do should you be forced to the nothingness again." She sighed softly. "I do not believe you will be sent back to that place; I believe you were a rescue attempt. You were taken before you died or something just as original." Her hand hovered over his face for a moment, fingers moving as if she were tracing that face.
"How is it you that you have fed so well, I can feel it, yet you still look as if you could use more?" It was a subtle differene perhaps. Maybe because she did know her husband's face so well, but there was a difference.
"You may be surprised what I let a body very similar to yours with a mind very similar to your do to me." She laughed softly. "I wish to discuss it now. He and I have a bond, I believe it comes between humans and vampires when blood is shared, yes?" She didn't wait for an answer. "He receives benefit from our sharing, as do I. He knows, or will know, that we are discussing what will be should he be taken from me and you are left in his place. Perhaps a king should discuss such things with another king, what comes of his queen, but I am no normal queen.
"I prefer here because I do so like seeing that body without a stitch, even when it is enraged." She glanced at the book, her hand lifted and she said a soft word. Said book floated toward them. "This is for you, no matter the outcome of our discussion. There are secrets here about me, who and what I am." It was a leather bound book of an encyclopedia for Fables.
"Why they bound it in leather I do not know. It would have been a mass market release I am sure; perhaps it was a special edition. There is one other book I will share with you once you have devoured this one."