It's unbecoming to ask questions for which you already know the answer.
[They were alike, in that regard, growing up in an environment where everyone was polite and respectful and hid fangs behind blunted teeth. He might be a Crestless heir and his House devoid of any holdings, but the Vestras dealt in priceless knowledge and puppet strings and the hidden workings of the Empire.]
[As far as Hubert was concerned, ulterior motives was the only reason. His value as a piece was immeasurable, and his value as a person... less so. The look that crosses Hubert's face is the same one as when Lorenz praised him under the full moons, something equally indignant at the thought of his words being disingenuous as sincere.]
[But sometimes's different this time, something so subtle it could be imagination. Accustomed to social intrigue as he was, Lorenz might be able to spot the hairline fissure in Hubert's composure: uncertainty.]
[While he's busy glaring at Lorenz, the grey rat gnaws at the twine.]
no subject
[They were alike, in that regard, growing up in an environment where everyone was polite and respectful and hid fangs behind blunted teeth. He might be a Crestless heir and his House devoid of any holdings, but the Vestras dealt in priceless knowledge and puppet strings and the hidden workings of the Empire.]
[As far as Hubert was concerned, ulterior motives was the only reason. His value as a piece was immeasurable, and his value as a person... less so. The look that crosses Hubert's face is the same one as when Lorenz praised him under the full moons, something equally indignant at the thought of his words being disingenuous as sincere.]
[But sometimes's different this time, something so subtle it could be imagination. Accustomed to social intrigue as he was, Lorenz might be able to spot the hairline fissure in Hubert's composure: uncertainty.]
[While he's busy glaring at Lorenz, the grey rat gnaws at the twine.]