"True, but I could sneak into a childs home with a knife without being seen had I the need. That does not change the fact that it is dangerous, and unwise when a knock would suffice." The charm held on her outstreched palm was looked upon with distrust. He made no move to take the thing from her.<br/><br/>"Keep it."<br/><br/>His thoughts turned to actually searching her for weaponry of any kind. Honestly, had she wanted him dead, there was very little doubt that she would use a physical weapon of sorts. As such, with all of the jewelry she wore, there was no way of knowing whether or not any one piece was more dangerous than the last. The thought made him slightly nervous, but no outward showing was made of such an emotion. Finally, he withdrew the long blade where it lay resting against the underside of her chin.<br/><br/>Looking up to his guards, he made eye contact with the ranking of the four. "Leave us. If I have need of you, I will call. I'm sure our<em>guest</em>, will be very accommodating in providing a better explanation."<br/><br/>There was hesitation among them. "Lord, I-"<br/><br/>The smaller of the two sickle shaped weapons left his side faster than the eye could trace. Hissing through the air as it spun, it connected with the thick wooden door behind them. A single droplet of blood wound its way down the curved surface where it had nicked the guardsman's ear.<br/><br/>"I'm not going to ask again."<br/><br/>The four could not leave fast enough. In a tangle of arms, half-knocked bows, and cloaks, the doors slammed shut behind them. Darius gave an amused snort. They were loyal to a fault, but irritating at times when they thought they might know better than orders given. Returning his attentions to the auburn haired woman, he squatted in front of her, and took her chin in his rough hand, and forced her eyes up to him. Once he had her gaze, he deftly reached for the broach at her throat that held the cloak in place, and removed it. In some cultures, it was proper to offer to take a woman's cloak.<br/><br/>Darius did it because it made him slightly more comfortable to see her hands out in the open. Folding the length across his arm and draping it over the back of the throne haphazardly, he sat back down. "Speak, woman. What are you offering me, and what will it cost?"