Sophia considered Paul's question, trying to decide whether to play coy or a little bit more aggressive. She thought back to the deal she had made with the Count and the threat Crone made to her. If she dallied, she might get into trouble and Paul might eventually lose interest. Better to agree now than to miss the chance. She'd really like to be paid as soon as possible so that her sisters won't end up hungry or needing to enter into the kind of job she has. She nodded. [color=lightgreen]"If you wish to return to your room, I shall be glad to accompany you, my Lord."[/color]

---

Olivia looked at Crone. She wanted to say no, that she wanted to stay, that she felt more uneasy and less safe when she was with him than with the towering knight standing only a few feet away from them, that she wanted to stay and chat a bit more with the long lost Duke-to-be. But of course, she knew that she can't say any of those. She wanted to know what's going on. She needed to know if her father was really as corrupted as Winston said he was. And if she wanted to do those things, she needed to go back to the castle. 

She could see Winston readying himself to fight from the corner of her eye. She had no doubt that the man can handle himself and do a good job at disposing off the Count's men, probably Crone too. But she didn't really want him to be hurt. She actually liked the man even though most probably feared his huge stature and scarred face. And of course, she didn't want anyone else hurt. 

She had no choice. She looked towards Winston. [color=tan]"This man is my father's most trusted man, I shall be safe returning to the castle with him at my side. Thank you for looking out for my well being, Sir Knight,"[/color] she gave him a smile and nothing more, hoping that he'd understand what she planned to do. She could have gave him a look but she needed to be careful and didn't want Crone to be suspicious. She turned her attention back to Crone, nodded and gave him a polite smile. [color=tan]"Thank you, Sir Crone,"[/color] she said and walked on ahead. [color=tan]"Come, Darma. It is time to return to the castle. Father is most probably worried sick that we have left without telling him,"[/color] she said, the closeness to her handmaiden she had exhibited the night before gone.

"Yes, milady," Darma nodded and followed after her mistress obediently.