Shady

"Seems straightforward enough," Aleth answered, watching intently. He wondered how good at arithmetic he should pretend to be. He'd said he'd helped watch the shop of a merchant before -- ...

"I don't," Aleth admitted. Maybe he should have devoted more time as an adult to learning games. It wasn't something he'd had the opportunity for as a child -- frivolous ...

Aleth had a slight pang of irritation as he thought back to having to graciously lose to Tarr's stupid game. He was probably going to have to lose this one, ...

"Of course," Aleth answered brightly, offering another smile. She seemed smart. Which meant it was likely going to be hard to get any useful information out of her. But he ...

"Ah, I'm afraid my reading skills are rather lacking," Aleth answered, regretting, once again, the lie. But he couldn't very well change his story now. That was the way to ...

"Not at all." Aleth smiled politely. He could hardly blame her. Either of them. He'd be just as paranoid if the positions were reversed. More, even. It was foolish to ...

"Yes, ma'am," Aleth answered. "But I'm grateful to be here. A turn of fortunes to be sure."

"Yes, ma'am," Aleth answered. The lie was coming easier each time he recited it. "A merchant purchased me to be his butler."

"There's not much to tell, I'm afraid," Aleth answered. He wasn't sure whether to believe her or not. On the one hand, Ash seemed like he might be the kind ...

Aleth took a moment to settle, leaning his cane up against his chair. "Yes, ma'am. I offered to help his lordship look for her."

There it was. The end of his free reign. He kicked himself again for being so stupid as to go into a room this ornate. Of course he should have ...

Aleth bobbed his head. There was so much he wanted to ask. Did she make a habit of this? Was she not allowed to leave? How had no one noticed ...

Aleth cringed sympathetically. “I hope she’s safe, wherever she might be.”

“I’m doing well, thank you.” Aleth offered a smile. “Thanks to the wonderful care Sera has given me. How are you?”

“The pleasure’s all mine.” Aleth bowed low. “I appreciate your and your husband's hospitality. It’s very kind.”