Juli was surprised to find herself a bit touched by Sanguine’s offer, though even in her distraught state she wondered at his motives. “I’m afraid I don’t have a standard—about a month ago I was still a peasant, and I’ve been too busy to worry about that detail. Also, I’d advise you not to draw suspicion from your current employer by making such a gesture.” Maybe it was not wise to offer advice to someone she saw as such a grave threat, but she found herself feeling oddly sympathetic toward him.<em>Is this all some game of his? Am I falling for it?</em>Given her previous decision not to needlessly antagonize the assassin, the princess figured she would go with her instinct that the offer was not a ploy. “But thank you for offering” she added quietly after a moment’s pause.<br/><br/>The princess turned to her food, but despite how delicious it was she hardly had an appetite.<em>How is mother going to take this?</em>Juli had long had a sneaking suspicion that her mother still had buried feelings for the king, despite how shamefully he had treated her—this could only open up old wounds, and that prospect further upset Juli.<br/><br/>At LeChance’s unexpected offer that she should accompany him, Juli surprised herself. “Yes... I would appreciate some relative quiet.” Containing her emotions was taxing, and it would be less so if she could get some time away from all the noise and other distractions of the banquet.<br/><br/>With some effort Juli regained her focus, once more observing her surroundings carefully while maintaining the illusion of a more relaxed manner. This could work to her advantage, Juli decided. The better she got to know LeChance, the greater the likelihood that she could anticipate his plans or at the very least recognize his work. And if she did not offend him, maybe she slightly reduced the likelihood of becoming his victim down the road.<br/><br/>Juli follows Sanguine out when he leaves. Her bodyguard Nira follows them both at a respectful distance, watching the assassin like a hawk and wondering just what her charge is thinking by going off with this man.