"Ah, so you<i>did</i>come," Ryland said, lounging in the doorway. Somewhere behind him, his own guard was mixing with the king's, although Ryland seldom paid them any attention.<br/><br/>Even in the half-light of the lamps, he could see that Kethaias' expression was stormy, and his short, curt movements spoke to a great anger. There was no smile in sight--not that Ryland had thought there would be.<br/><br/><i>Rijek, come. We're leaving.</i><br/><br/>Ryland decided to be bold, catching at the trailing cloak and halting the king's progress. He was aware that, anywhere else, he might have lost his hand for doing so, but he didn't care.<br/><br/>"But I've only just arrived," Ryland said. "I didn't think someone of your reputation would fold so easily at the first sign of what I'm sure you would think was adversity."<br/><br/>He let go of the cloak before Kethaias<i>did</i>get any ideas about his hand.<br/><br/>"You saw me with my friend, I think," he continued, and settled back into the doorway. "I do have a life I lead here. Did you think I was going to drop all my paramours just because you offered for me? I usually have several at a time, in case you didn't know that, and I dare say I'd be accused of being more of a flirt and a flake if I cut ties with them the moment someone else showed interest."<br/><br/>He said this in a matter-of-fact tone. It was part of who he was. He gave a light shrug, and turned to move into the box. His toe hit the little gift with a crinkle of crepe paper. He bent to pick it up and measured the weight of it in his hands with a little smile.<br/><br/>"I suppose what I'm saying is: if you want my attention, you have it. But that is currently all you have. It is enough to grant you the opportunity to actually get to know me, if you wished. But it doesn't guarantee my time, or my interest, or my bed. That is what courting is for. Now you've learned something about me. Really<i>me</i>, not just what you've decided I am or want me to be. I won't blame you for turning tail now, though I suppose it is something of a disappoint, especially considering I know you have a harem in your own castle. I think you can understand the sentiment, even while you act like a jealous lover, which is something you are--currently--not."<br/><br/>He held up the box. "May I open this, or should I simply return it now?"