[When you inhabit the sphere of courtly politics as Nikolai does, it behooves you to keep a keen eye to the people around you. Demeanor and temper, habits and interests, body language and facial expressions. Each person is a puzzle to solve.
It doesn't take much of a keen eye to read this girl so far. He catches the way she stiffens at the sight of his ravaged hand, then immediately softens when her eyes land on his face. She's young, possessing perhaps a predilection for romantic fancy. Truly, it's impressive that she's somehow less subtle than the daughters of noblemen who let the tops of their breasts jiggle out of their gowns when they curtsy low to him.
Chuckling as if he's hardly noticed her sharp shift in demeanor, he gently helps her up to her feet.]
Nikolai Lantsov, at your service. I believe we already established that I failed to kill you.
groce
It doesn't take much of a keen eye to read this girl so far. He catches the way she stiffens at the sight of his ravaged hand, then immediately softens when her eyes land on his face. She's young, possessing perhaps a predilection for romantic fancy. Truly, it's impressive that she's somehow less subtle than the daughters of noblemen who let the tops of their breasts jiggle out of their gowns when they curtsy low to him.
Chuckling as if he's hardly noticed her sharp shift in demeanor, he gently helps her up to her feet.]
Nikolai Lantsov, at your service. I believe we already established that I failed to kill you.