Well, good. He would hate to have shown his signature illusion-moves off and have the demon not even be impressed. Clearly not intimidated, but he didn't really expect him to be. Yet. So that's all right.

He's far stronger than a human would be, and quite possibly stronger than most demons. His handshake is not as enthusiastic as Alastor's, but it is strong, and he holds his feet, not even swaying. If they were arm-wrestling, who knows how it would end? Loki isn't anxious to find out, but he nearly always prefers a battle of wits to a battle of muscles.

"Royalty does not breed honesty," he says with a shrug, wondering who else Alastor is referring to. "There are certain requirements where diplomacy is concerned, among them not telling visiting leaders how tedious and stupid they are. Granted, as the younger prince of the family, my responsibilities were mostly limited to smiling and looking pretty in my youth. But things change."

Speaking of smiling pretty, here's his charming look again. "Shall we take a walk, since we are now introduced? I was on my way to the library, but I don't object to diverting my path to give you a tour. Hospitality is so important here."