“Did you just call me a dog?” I asked.
She went on. “Then the two of you took turnsyellingat each other for several minutes until I assume either both of you passed out from lack of air or you took your argument elsewhere.”
“Exactly.Argument,”I said. “If we were fighting, I–Why would I fight with someone I found attractive?”
“Why wouldn’t you?” she asked. “That’s when arguments are the best.”
“What?”
“Are you suggesting that one’s appearance might influence your behavior toward them?” she asked.
“No?”
“No?” She folded her arms. “You don’t sound sure.”
“Fine, he might… He might be a little…”
“Dashing?” she asked.
“Yes,”I whispered. “But you cannot tell anyone I said that!”
“Of course not,” Jocelyn said. She gleamed with a proudness.
“You don’t have to act so smug,” I told her.
“I’m not smug. I’m happy because of something Ser Willoughby said,” she said.
“Ser Willoughby?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said. “He said I was very observant.”
“Ser Willoughby is anidiot,”I said. Her smile dimmed, and I realized my mistake. “Oh,” I sat up. “...Oh, your… Your mood changed?” I asked. “Because of… Ser Willoughby?” I asked.
She smiled weakly.
“Do you speakoftento Ser Willoughby?” I asked.
“...No.”
“You’re as rubbish in your lies as I am!”
She pouted through a laugh. “I’m afraid you’re correct. Then you admit he’s handsome, then?”
“Ser Willoughby? Gross!”
“No!” she cried. “No, Lord Evergreen!”
“Oh!” I shook my head. “I don’t know. Sure? That is, if you likebrutishmen, adamant on getting the last jab in an argument? Completely and totally absorbed in their own awe….That… I can’t think of a proper insult.”
“That sounds quite a bit like you,” she said.
“I’m not brutish!”
“Miss Svana,” she said.
“I’m not! Even Mr. Evergreen said I was elegant!”
“What?”
