Ryland went still as fingers slid into his collar, aware that his pulse had picked up and was beating against that sudden intrusion enough to be felt. His eyes were fixed on Kethaias', partly surprised, partly amused, partly challenging. From this close, too, he could smell the alcohol burning itself off on Kethaias' skin, and Ryland had a sudden pang of sympathy for what had apparently been a long night of drinking... and sex, if Red's presence was any indication.<br/><br/>Perhaps this was the perfect time to ask for forgiveness after all.<br/><br/>Even when he'd been released from that subtle pressure at his throat, Ryland found his hand taken, held as though Kethaias was an old friend or lover deciding whether or not to be indulgent. It was granted this time, with the press of a kiss to the back of his hand.<br/><br/><i>Very well. As you wish.</i><br/><br/>From just behind Kethaias' shoulder, Ryland saw Syssiny's eyes widen before she lifted her cup to her mouth and turned away. When she set the cup down, one of her hands came behind her back to sign,<i>You've made an impression!</i><br/><br/>Even more than that, he could see the rest of his family's attention had been arrested. It was not overt, of course. Well, it was not overt except for his father, who had just caught sight of them, and whose brow was beginning to draw a slow and precise V above his nose.<br/><br/>Ryland drew his bottom lip through his teeth, fighting an impulsive grin. It wasn't that he was pleased, but he was, for once, a little embarrassed. He hadn't expected this sort of reaction, either. It was very familiar. But he supposed objecting now would discourage Kethaias completely, and though he still didn't want to marry him, this<i>was</i>interesting... Kethaias making love to him in this little corner.<br/><br/>Ryland's gaze hadn't swung from Kethaias in that small space of time, but he didn't mind if Kethaias interpreted his reaction as he liked.<br/><br/>"I'm pleased," Ryland said. He gave a quick squeeze to their still-joined hands and then let go. "If you'll allow it, I will invite you out again this evening, after dinner. I will come to escort you myself, so you can be sure of my company, and we can take tea. Banque is very fond of teahouses. There are poetry readings which are... quite enlightening."<br/><br/>In fact, it was often the most politically inclined who listened to poets, who used clever lines and rhymes to make their writings memorable among the nobility and commons alike. It was also necessarily rowdy after a certain point in the evening. Ryland might not have gone otherwise.<br/><br/>"There is only one condition. I visit these places in disguise. At the very least a mask. No doubt they will have much to say on the Emperor-King Kethaias. May I expect to pick you up at, perhaps, nine o' clock?"