How did you like my cousin?” I cast about for something nice to say. “He is very different from yourself, zayyid.” Kestrin hands me up into the waiting carriage, then pauses, retaining my hand in his. I take my seat, my outstretched hand still caught in his, and wait. He smiles crookedly. “You have a way of not answering questions that I am coming to enjoy.” I feel myself flush, but it is not all embarrassment. “I thank you,” I mutter. “I hope you will join us again.” “I would not intrude more than I have already.” “It is no intrusion, veriana, but a pleasure.”
