A dance she'd never practiced or probably heard of, Lexine hardly knew the steps and instead opted to mimic the Thomas' motions, tracing stiff but precise circles over the ground with the tips of her decidedly ungraceful marching boots. Still, it was better than the nightmare that dancing in a dress had been. She attempted to return the near perpetual smile her dancing partner was wearing, but what had been strained outright collapsed with his question. Her hands suddenly felt very uncomfortable bound up in someone else's. "It was on short notice, but Leid decided he needed protection shortly before arriving here. Me and my partner were in-country and were sent to handle things. If I have it right, his reputation in this country isn't that great, so I understand his concern." She spoke distantly, distracted in keeping up with the dance and watching the area around them with quick glances around the room. "Is it uncommon for men in his position to hire retainers?"