Only Ears for Dropping Eaves

Novella did not stand, though she did smile brightly. The pleasure in acquaintance, is mine. She dipped her head, though did not directly answer his request to sit. Her wife's family had taught her, that as a member of a High House, she must never treat Lesser Houses as equals.

But she'd known that all along; and had been letting her in-laws train her to be the perfect wife of the not-so-perfect heir for fun. You may call me Novella. She added, once he had seated himself. Studying him, thoughtful, You've been gone from the events of the quarter. A matter-of-fact statement.

And she reached to claim a teacup, just as Sari poured the fresh tea for her. Do social events bore you, or are the rumors that you've been out-of-bounds, true? She tilted her head, thoughtful as she took a sip of her tea.