( neuvillette is, despite all appearances, much more of a worrywart than he lets on. there are so many human customs and niceties he still does not fully understand, and for all that many fontainians may have shown their worst sides to him on the stage of the opera house he still does not wish for any of them to come to harm. they have suffered enough, he thinks, for the mere crime of wanting to live. )

I do hope so. It is the least of what she deserves.

( would that he could be there to support her, but it seems fate once again has other plans in store for him. plans that include a great deal of sex and other debauchery. neuvillette watches his reflection ripple in his teacup, though he lifts his gaze at the mild teasing, looking somewhat affronted. a trace of his court presence returns to his bearings. )

Are you suggesting I view my stay here as a vacation, Wriothesley?