Despite being particularly provocative--and even armed with the knowledge of Kethaias' obsession with a sweet mouth courtesy of Red--Kethaias had done nothing with him, but remained a perfect gentlemen. Ryland didn't mind. It only meant he could tease with as much physicality as he dared, until he could tip Kethaias over the edge.<br/><br/>Moving out of the teahouse was just a brief respite.<br/><br/><i>That </i>was<i>enlightening.</i><br/><br/>More than enlightening, apparently; it was<i>bothersome</i>.<br/><br/>Ryland was flagging down a carriage when Kethaias started to speak, and he turned as the driver caught sight of him and started to bring his horses over.<br/><br/>Kethaias was defending himself, and once Ryland had caught on to the exact verse that must have bothered Kethaias so badly, he started to take mental notes.<br/><br/><i>Those that serve me, </i>all<i> of them, do so because they wish. If one of the fine men from my harem wanted to leave, I wouldn't forbid it. I have never had to force anyone to my bed, nor would I ever, in any way. And I only keep a harem because I have no one. Though I did once...</i><br/><br/>Ryland was quiet, which would have worried anyone who knew him, but since Kethaias didn't, perhaps he wouldn't have found it remarkable.<br/><br/>The carriage had arrived, and Ryland opened the door to it, making an elaborate bow before helping Kethaias in. He spoke to the driver, hopped in, sat on the opposite side, and rapped to let the driver know they were ready.<br/><br/>"Do you worry so for the hour?" Ryland said, a sneaky little smile on his face. "Ah, but you had a busy night, I think, of drinking. I won't keep you long, then."<br/><br/>They stopped outside the castle first, and Ryland ordered a servant inside to bring him a change of clothes. He couldn't, he told Kethaias, in good conscience, go out looking so ragged. He almost let Kethaias stay inside while he changed, but thought better of it. It would only be awkward.<br/><br/>When he opened the door again for Kethaias to rejoin him, he was dressed to match him. He again gave the driver directions, half-hanging out the door, and then they were off again.<br/><br/>"So," Ryland said, as they were jostled along, another foxish smile on his face. "Why am I the exception?"<br/><br/>He waited a moment for the obvious confusion before continuing.<br/><br/>"I am wondering what it is exactly you want from me," he said. His tone was genial. "All serve you as you wish, you would bar none for leaving, would never force anyone to your bed. I believe you."<br/><br/>He had his legs crossed, but now took advantage of the way their knees touched to let the toe of his boot caress along Kethaias' calf.<br/><br/>"Such makes me believe that you seek a political marriage. Especially as you were adamant to it even when I first rejected you." The toe moved past his knee to a long slide along his thigh, and then Ryland simply rested his foot on the opposite seat, maintaining the little contact. "Yet you speak of marriage as though you are seeking a mate, not a political partner. It's a peculiar discrepancy, if you don't mind me pointing it out. On all fronts, I seem to be the exception."<br/><br/>He bit his lip, looking for a reaction there, and then before Kethaias could speak to any of it, he said, "I am not attempting to start an argument or wrench from you any heartfelt confessions, which I, quite frankly at this point, will find insincere. To be blunt, sir, I am seeking for you to start your courtship with nothing more than simple flattery. You need not be honest to play along. In fact, I'd prefer that you were not for the reason stated before."<br/><br/>There was probably just enough light from the single little globe in the ceiling to see the look Ryland gave him, half smug, half playful.<br/><br/>"If you're any good at it, I may let you kiss me goodnight."