Moving In [Tag Sebby]

[Daine Merton]

It had been one of those mornings where you just get swept away and find it hard to touch down again. Daine had been breakfasting in the castle as her brother had wanted her out of the house. She often visited the castle on Mondays anyway. It was only last Monday when she'd met the extravegant Sebastian Mannering, and had as of yet managed to avoid his company.

Though, who else would it have been to turn up at breakfast whilst she'd been talking other nobles present? Sebastian Mannering of course! He'd come ambling in then pointed at herself and the Spanish noble - Javier was it? - and announced they were helping him move in. And with that he was out of the door, expecting them to follow, though the pair hadn't actually followed until a confused look was passed between them and Sebastian had popped his head back round to say "Well come on then!” Daine had scowled as they left the Hall.

Though now the flirtatious smile was plastered to her face. Inside she was groaning, but she had to give Sebastian what he'd expect from her. The journey to Knighton had been rather pleasant though, Daine had to admitt. She'd had the chance to ride ahead whilst Javier and Sebastian had talked. In her alone time she'd had time to admire how beautiful England was - even with someone like the Sheriff ruling.

Though her peace had been short-lived, as it appeared to her that Sebastian had gotten bored of Javier. There were few words exchanged until they'd arrived in Knighton Hall, recently rebuilt. It felt wrong going into Marian's home when it wasn't her home anymore. And the fact that it was now Sebastian's home made it feel worse. But the coy smile never wavered from the girl's face.

After dismounting her horse, Daine looked to the flamboyant man. She wasn't too sure if she should offer her arm out to him, but she was supposed to be helping him move in not flirt with him. Though she'd began to notice that the act of flirting just happened around him - whether she wanted to or not.

"Shall we enter, good Sir, and take a look around. I'm quite intrigued to see how much the place has changed." She said, with the right amount of invitation in her voice. She changed her look to him through her eyelashes and slightly over her shoulder, in a sidelong glance. Today was going to be interesting to say the least.

[Sebastian Mannering]

Sebastian was exceptionally pleased with himself. He'd ruffled more than a few feathers that morning at breakfast by recruiting the aid of nobles to help him get settled into his home. Javier and Daine probably weren't too pleased to become his unwilling victims, but that was life and you could pull anything off if you had the confidence to try. Sebastian certainly had the confidence, in fact he probably had some to spare.

He'd used the horseback ride into Knighton to pry into Javier's past. The Spanish noble certainly was evasive, but he'd been just detailed enough to ease any suspicions. He wouldn't be able to ask any more questions without seeming terribly rude anyway, so he had halted his questions an settled for remaining on good terms with Javier. Instead he rode a little ahead to return his attentions to Daine. It was a much more rewarding pastime, after all the only thing he would get out of befriending Javier was competition, whereas Daine was the prey.

Knighton Hall could have been everything Sebastian had hoped for, had he wanted a quaint little wooden structure in keeping with the rustic nature of the village. He had been hoping for something a little more... grand. But it would do, it would probably be quite cozy; he could play the part of the powerful noble who had a softer side and liked his home comforts, the perfect family man. Ladies would be falling at his feet... well, more than they did already.

Slipping off his horse with the grace that came from years of riding, although he had no love of horses it was required when you were of as high breeding as him, Sebastian turned to Daine, grinning. He seemed to have misplaced Javier somewhere in Knighton Square, no matter the man was probably quite capable of looking after himself. Unless he wandered into the forest, then he would probably fall prey to the outlaws, but that couldn't be helped...

”Yes let's.” He said enthusiastically, holding out an arm for her to take. ”I'm eager to see what my new home will be like.” Daine had known the place when it was in the hands of the weak old Sheriff and Marian, who was headstrong in equal measure in what seemed like a kind of compensation for her father's downfalls. He had probably been at least on good terms with the old occupants, perhaps seeing the place rebuilt and in his hands was like rubbing salt in a wound.

”You knew the Hall before it burned down?” He asked, conveniently leaving out the part where Gisborne had set a torch to it. ”You'll have to tell me what differences there are.”

[Daine Merton]

Daine slipped her hand into the crease of Sebastian's arm, knowing full well her hands were cold - as they often were beacuse of a family trait from her mother's side. Cold hands were a useful tool somtimes, if only for creating discomfort for those who felt their icey touch.

"I did indeed know the Hall before it... it met it's untimely end." A slight scowl crept over her face, as she thought of what Gisbourne did to her old friend's home, which was quickly covered by a pout. "It was a rather cosy Hall once," She smothered a sigh as she thought that anything built under the Sheriff's watch wouldn't be as magnificent - and definiately not cosy - as the orginal.

"Do you plan to add anything yourself, my Lord?" She asked as she took her first step towards the house. She could imagine that he'd have the Hall decorated as extravegantley as he dressed - she could just see the rugs scattered about the place. Though she still held the image of Sir Edward and Marian's home in her mind. What was before her was most certainly not their home.

Superficially it looked pretty much the same - but there was that undeniable feeling of it being wrong. She could barely keep the look of distaste from her face. She tried to turn the distaste into mildly impressed, but she didn't know just how sucessful she'd been. She wouldn't know until Sebastian reacted.

Daine decided that maybe voicing that fact that she liked it would help disguise her real thoughts. "It looks good." She nodded then glanced at Sebastian, flirt written all over her face. "Though I'm sure you could make a few improvements to make it really good." She added a little bit of tease to her voice and curved the corners of her lips into a smile - making the comment both flirtacious and a challenge.

[Sebastian Mannering]

As Daine slipped her hand through Sebastian's crooked arm he spared a glance at the offensively cold hand now resting lightly on his arm. He could feel how cool her fingers were even through the fabric of his shirt! He raised his eyebrows at her, he could think of more than a few suggestive remarks about warming her up, but he decided to save them until they were viewing the bedrooms.

"Well, I'll have to look around before I decide to change anything. There are a couple of pieces of furniture that I had bought up from London that would probably fit right in." He chatted away quite happily as the walked up the steps. The dark wooden desk and ornate dining chairs he was thinking of would not match the quaint setting of the Hall at all, but Daine didn't need to know he was planning a complete overhaul already.

Sebastian stepped breezily over the threshold and passed a critical eye over the foyer. It was all dark woods, muted colours and soft lighting. How dull! He wanted bright colours and patterned fabrics, after all if he could afford to be audacious why shouldn't he? He masked a grimace of disgust behind a particularly over the top coo interest and let Daine's hand drop from his arm so he could rush across the room and stick his head through the doorway to peer at another room.

The excitement wasn't entirely faked, he was actually quite looking forward to decorating the place more to his tastes and it would, of course, mean having an entirely new wardrobe made up to match the colour scheme. He couldn't recline gracefully in a room that didn't match his outfit after all. He looked over at Daine, grinning childishly. "You'll have to forgive my manners, my enthusiasm at viewing the property seems to have blown them clean away!"

[Daine Merton]

Daine listened to Sebastian as he looked about his new home in his extravegant manner. He seemed to be pleased with it, though there was that essence of facade ever present. She didn't need to see his face to be able to read the fact that he had plans for Knighton Hall. Somehow she didn't think it was just a re-arrangement of the furniture. More of a full scale decoration with various drapes and carpets, to match his colourful dress sense.

She willingly let go of his arm, thankful for the break in contact. She disliked this man very much, with his over familiarity and the way that he looks at you. It made her shudder just thinking about what he had in mind for her, but... That annoying 'but' that reminded her that he was charming and handsome, and that he had this personality that made you like him at the same time as hating him.

No. I hate him. He is no good. Fein a headache, make an excuse. Go home and don't speak to him again! Daine told herself. But the chances of it actually happening were slim.

He practically bounced back into the room, grinning from ear to ear. He spoke of apologies but Daine just ended up smiling too, well as much as a smile her scowl would permit. His smile was just do damn infectious.

"You are quite forgiven, my Lord." She said politely with a laugh escaping without her permission. "My brother was the same when he was announced Lord of Merton. Even though Merton and the Maner is half mine, he was making all these plans to re-arrange everything. Never mind the fact our father had just been..." Daine stopped herself. Bad mouthing the Sheriff in Sebastian's presence was almost as dangerous as flirting with him. "Just died."

She put a hand to her mouth, as if to hide the fact she was crying. True the wound still hurt, he'd died before his time, but she didn't cry over it anymore. But she had to give Sebastian reason to believe it still upset her enough for her to make mistakes. She even managed to let one tear fall - too many and he might be onto her game.

"I'm sorry... It's just..." She started before 'pulling herself together'. Daine took a deep breath in before continuing. "Sorry, don't let me ruin this day for you." She gave him a brave smile, then lowered her lashes, hopefully distracting him from the topic she regreted stumbling into. "What plans do you have for Knighton Hall then?"

[Sebastian Mannering]

Sebastian was mildly offended when Daine began to compare him to her brother. Brian Merton was a snivelling weakling of a lord and would never come close to Sebastian in power, wealth and charm. In fact his little toe had more charisma than that man. And he'd seen the Merton household once before, the walls were covered with the heads of dead animals, he would never consider displaying hunted game in such a way. All those eyes following him around the room, it was quite the mood killer.

No, Sebastian was not like Merton at all. The young lord lacked ambition, or at least the courage to pursue the power he no doubt craved. Instead he spent his time brown nosing the Sheriff and he was so weak willed he couldn't even control his sister. If he was in Merton's position he would have her married off as soon as possible to strengthen the Merton name. Much as Sebastian's father had done with his sister Mary.

Sebastian was distracted from his mental tirade about Daine's brother when the girl stumbled over her words. She appeared to be upset about the untimely demise of her father and, ever the opportunist, he plastered his face with a suitable look of concern and drew close to her. ”Come now, don't cry.” He said softly, as though he wanted nothing else in the world but to quell her tears. He took one of her cold hands in his, grasping it firmly, and used the fingers of his other hand to tilt her head up. It was all rather touching, that she still cared for her father, and he wondered if he could get away with hugging her.

”My lady, I would never dream of changing the subject while you are in distress!” He said, still clutching her hand, as she began to return to her usual coy self. This was the closest he'd got to a shot at an intimate moment with Daine and he was not about to pass up his chance just yet. ”You must have been close with him. Your father I mean.” He pressed the subject.

[Daine Merton]

Daine was so glad her hands were cold. At least Sebastian was experiencing some discomfort, like she was. Why did he have to pry? And like she would open up to him! She hardly knew him, yet he was playing the perfect gentlemen - kind, concerned.

She had to say something though, or nod. Yes! Nod tearfully. She told herself whilst proceeding to put the tearful act on. "I just miss him so much." She sobbed.

Part of her actually wanted Sebastian to comfort her with a hug, the same part of her that still believed England could be a good place. But that part of her was very small, and very easy to squash. She needed to stop this folly before he did hug her, who knows what signals and idea what would give him!

"But really, I'm fine. It's in the past and we must live in the present - else we'd ony see the sadness." She said, with a loud sniff and a brave face. "Today is a good day. You have your new home, we should be celebrating. Even if we have lost Javier..." She trailed off at the end, looking out of the window wondering where he'd got to.

She couldn't look at him, that concern made her wary. It didn't take a mind reader to know what his intentions were for her. She wasn't deaf - half the castle was talking about his antics with some of the kitchen staff. It almost made her jealous, as if she was the only one that was supposed to have his attention - but he'd always been this way. And always would be.

[Sebastian Mannering]

Oh how he wanted to embrace her, take her in his arms and feel her soft, slender form against his. He shook those distracting thoughts from his mind, he was supposed to be acting concerned for her emotions and it was hard enough without his mind wandering off in a direction that wasn't entirely appropriate. He settled instead on rubbing soothing circles into the back of her hand with his thumb and staring at her earnestly.

"Well, if you're sure." Sebastian said slowly, reluctantly releasing her hand. She had seemed genuinely upset, but he had always found it hard to tell when it came to tearful women. He usually just treated it as the real deal as it was too much of a risk to call their bluff and upset them further. Women were such complicated creatures and he loved them for it.

"Yes, it is a pity to have lost him." He mused, following her gaze out the window as if he half expected Javier to be there approaching the house as they spoke. "It would have been nice to have his input, add some Spanish flair to the place." It wasn't true, Sebastian had got all he wanted from Javier during the questioning and he was more than happy to have Daine to himself.

"But we mustn't let that ruin our celebratory mood." He rubbed his hands together enthusiastically. "Perhaps we should make a trip down to the kitchens, meet the serving staff and see if we can wrangle some kind of drink." He smiled at Daine mischievously, if comforting her in her time of need had not brought them closer then perhaps a drink or two would.

[Daine Merton]

Sebastian's comment about Javier, about his Spanish flair, the way he said it made Daine doubt whether he actually wanted it. But she let it slide, challenging Sebastian now wouldn't prove anything. Though she didn't doubt that she would get the chance to.

She was lucky that he'd suggested a drink just before the smirk crossed her face. Turning to look at him, she morphed it into a flirtatious smile. "A drink would be marvelous." She stood expectantly, letting him lead the way. It was his house after all.

Daine didn;t need to meet the Knighton staff, she already knew them - unless the Sheriff got new staff for Sebastian in case they were loyal to the old inhabitants. That feeling of this all being wrong came back with avengance, but she swallowed it down. She had to didn't she? There had to be a fake smile plastered to her face at all times with Sebastian, a coy look thrown in every so often. But never a look of discomfort or distaste.

(Ooc - Ahh! This is pathetically short! Poke if you want more, but my muse has been taken by the monkey people with this thread... )

[Sebastian Mannering]

"Excellent!" He took Daine's arm, without offering first to give her a choice, if she protested his rudeness he could always pass it off as excited exuberance and they were long past the point where she could refuse his arm without causing a slight to his honour. Then he led her through to the kitchens and only got lost once on the way. By all rights they shouldn't have got lost at all as the newly built Knighton Hall was almost an exact replica of the old one and he had no doubt Daine knew her way around, but he allowed her a little amusement at his expense.

The kitchens were disappointingly quiet, with only one servant sitting at the large table in the centre of the room and no roaring fire lit on which the staff could prepare meals. He supposed it was unreasonable to expect them to have food cooking when there was nobody living in the house, but usually they would have the fire going from dawn, or at least they would once Sebastian was moved in. If he got the urge to eat at any time of day then he expected to be fed.

"You there!" He said to the serving girl, his voice stern. He paused for a moment and reconsidered his tone, Daine probably wouldn't appreciate mistreatment of the staff, she was undoubtedly one of those people that thought staff should be treated as people, or worse, friends. Sebastian almost gave a little shudder of disgust, but he managed to suppress it just in time.

"Would you be so kind as to fetch us some drinks? And get one for yourself while you're at it." His tone was much softer, polite, more like a request than an order. Although he would not be able to maintain this air of pleasant conversation if she decided to give him lip. The girl gave a small bobbing curtsey and Sebastian shot her one of his charming smiles. He was pleased to see it made her blush.

[Daine Merton]

Daine had to muffle the giggle that escaped when Sebastian got lost in Knighton Hall, it was a simple house, hardly one to get lost in. She, of course, was being no help at all. She couldn't show Sebastian up in his own home now could she? Well... maybe later. There was also the chance he was playing the fool. Sometimes she just couldn't be sure with Sebastian. She await the day that she knew him well enough to know what every movement meant. Though, some people eluded her still.

Seeing the empty kitchen sadened the girl - it used to be so lively when Marian and her father lived there. There was always a fire and something cooking - and never an upset face. The serving staff were happy to be there. Now all there was was one small girl who looked rather frightened when Sebastian used his harsh tones on her.

Daine shot him an equally harsh glance, letting her true emtions shine through for a slipt second. She could play happy-smiley when it came to belittling her, but never the servants. They were the cogs that made Nottingham turn, but most of all they were people. Half of the staff at Merton either raised her or were raised with her! Daine would not stand for abusing staff.

When Sebastian softened his tone she relaxed a little, though there was the little dark thought at the back of her mind that said he was going to be horrible as soon as she was gone. But she smiled, and let it grow when he said the girl could have a drink herself. Daine did glace quickly to the girl, an apologetic look for the harsh tones before, and a nod to confirm she was allowed a drink.

The drink consisted of a deep red wine, that was quite fruity to taste but the alcohol burned the back of throat on it's way down. She took dainty sips before nodding her compliments to the wine. "This is very good. Is it yours? Or a welcom gift from the Sheriff. Though he's hardly the gift giving type, don't you think?"

It was a dangerous comment, but it needed to be said. She had to find out what side this man was on. Sheriff and John's or the King's. A comment like that might aid in the process of deciding, depending on how he reacted. Though she presumed he'd have his indifferent air he always had, which would tell nothing.

[Sebastian Mannering]

Sebastian watched the girl as she returned with a uncorked and unmarked bottle of wine and three simple goblets. Was that all the tableware they had, it simply wouldn't do, he would have to go shopping for something more ornate. Eating on drab plates took half the enjoyment out of the meal he felt. Everything about Knighton Hall had been dull so far, he would certainly be injecting some colour into the place.

The serving girl seemed understandably nervous and her hands shook as she poured the drinks, splashing a few drops of the deep red liquid onto the wooden surface of the kitchen table. Sebastian gave her a falsely sympathetic look, she probably hadn't expected to be confronted by her new master today but that was no reason to waste a good drink by spilling it. "Thank you dear," He said taking the bottle from her grasp and making sure his finger brushed across hers as he did so. She was a plain girl, barely worth his interest, but he would need someone to keep him entertained now that he was away from the castle.

He finished pouring the drinks with his usual flair, presenting Daine with her goblet with a flourish and leaving the serving girl to pick up her own. While he was happy to complete trivial tasks such as these, if only to save the girl embarrassment at her clear incompetence, he would not stoop to handing out drinks like a common manservant to someone so beneath his standing.

"Alas I did not bring so good a wine with me." Sebastian admitted as though revealing this fact pained him somewhat to admit to Daine. He took a large gulp of his drink, swallowing quickly to add to the impression that he was slightly irresponsible and liked to get drunk at any hour. "I cannot say my taste is good enough to choose something so nice, I normally just drink what is handed to me." He said slightly carelessly. In actual fact Sebastian was as picky about wine as he was about clothing, decorating and the even the tableware, but Daine did not need to know that. Better he was an ignorant lord than a fussy one.

The Sheriff... Sebastian had not expected Daine to get onto the subject of politics and his alliances so quickly. She certainly never failed to surprise him with how forward she could be and it must be an important matter to her if she was asking about it so soon. "Vaysey is... " He paused, keeping his face carefully blank and stalling for time while he thought of the answer that would best please the lady before him. He spared a glance at the servant who seemed just as interested in what he had to say. Serving staff lived on gossip.

"Lady Daine would you care to join me for a short walk?" He asked offering her his arm but keeping hold of his drink. He wanted her to think he would be confiding in her because he trusted her, but he did not think she would be so naive as to believe that, unless alcohol had loosened his tongue. Once they were out of earshot of overly curious serving staff he would tell her exactly what she wanted to hear. The walk would also give him time to decide what that was.

[Daine Merton]

"Vaysey is..." Daine hung onto his words, much like the serving girl who'd sat away but still within earshot. But Sebastian didn't finish his sentence. Instead he showed a thoughtful look before suggesting they take a walk - wine and all.

She knew why he did it - or at least half of why he did it. He did not want his words to be passed on by the serving girl. As Daine rose, she bent her elbow out. "Of course, Lord Sebastian. Why waste a perfectly nice day inside?" She turned, giving the maid a discrete nod to the maid, as thanks for the drink.

But what was the other half of Sebastian's reasoning for leaving? Was he buying thinking time for his next tactical step in their elborate chess game of politics? Or was it simply just to not have his gossip become the servant's gossip? All the possibilities made Daine's head spin. She was smart, but this wasn't a game intelligence would win. It took a cunning mind, and no matter how much Daine wished, her mind was far from being as cunning as it needed to be.

She kept glancing to Sebastian, seeing if there was anything to show what he was thinking. Or anything to give away when he would speak. All the while keeping a pleasant, but a hint of intriguement. She had to show interest, so he'd stay interested. She sipped her wine, holding it in her free hand. It was nice, even if she wasn't too fond of wine. The fruity tang was delightful, but the burn.

It was like Sebastian. Nice to look at, but there was something else there that wasn't so pleasant. Even from the side, his charm spilled out luminating his handsome face. Had she been some naive girl, Daine knew that she'd have fallen head over heels for Sebastian at first glance. But the bitterness to this world had taught her well and she'd caught herself before she'd even so much as stumbled. Shame, he really was quite handsome.

[Sebastian Mannering]

Sebastian glanced back at the serving girl as they left the kitchen by the back door and shot her a wink. She was looking rather disappointed at having lost the chance to overhear what would clearly be some high calibre gossip but by his reasoning she already had enough news to tell the other servants. Their new master entering the kitchens with the lady of Merton would keep tongues wagging for days without the added bonus of talks of politics. Besides what he told Lady Daine and what he told his servants about his alliances may end up to be two entirely different stories and so he had to be careful to keep them separate.

Outside it was far brighter than the dimmed rooms of Knighton Hall and Sebastian was quite pleased to be out of the gloom. He took another large gulp of wine the goblet almost empty already and then let it dangle carelessly from his fingertips. His other arm was linked with Daine's, her hand looped through his elbow and he relished the contact. At least they were past that irritating stage where he always had to ask to take her hand, there was hope that he would win her over yet.

They walked in silence for a few moments while Sebastian collected his thoughts. What would be the best tale to tell her? Everything he had heard, and what little she had told him, hinted that she was sympathetic to the outlaws. She reminded him a little of Marian, who had made her alliances quite clear by foolishly running off to the forest. It seemed that only Guy, blinded by his obsession with her, had believed that she would remain loyal to the Sheriff. Vaysey could never have thought that she was on their side, it was more likely that he kept her around to keep an eye on her (it was better to have her inside the castle than running around outside it causing trouble) and to torment Gisborne of course.

He could not afford to let the silence drag on any longer or Daine would think he had gone mute. He had at least an idea of what he could tell her; his father had been a close friend of the Prince and now Sebastian was expected to follow in the man's footsteps. Why choose to do it though? Sebastian frowned as he tried to think of something. He doubted Daine would be impressed if he said it was to protect himself. That would be far too much like the actions of her brother and Sebastian knew she was less than fond of her sibling.

Who could he be protecting? Sebastian had to smother a shark-like grin as the idea came to him. He knew the old hag back home would be useful for something eventually. With his widowed mother to care for it would be far to dangerous to let his true opinions be known. Going for the sympathy vote was a low blow, Sebastian was rather proud of himself.

"I am sorry to have cut the conversation short back in the kitchens." He said amiably breaking the quiet. "You know how the serving staff can be, gossips every one of them." He kept his tone light, as though he found talkative servants amusing rather than irritating. "And this is such a delicate matter, we would not want it getting back to the castle." Sebastian smiled secretively as he laid yet another hint that he was going to confide in her.

He slowed their pace and twisted to face her more so he could more easily see her reaction to his words and she could see the carefully schooled earnest expression on his face. "The Sheriff... is not the kindest of men." He said as though he was struggling to keep his words diplomatic. "My father unfortunately made the Mannering alliance quite clear in his lifetime and I am expected follow suit. With my mother at home I really feel I have no choice but to play along.” Would Daine buy his story? He hoped so, but he paused there to gage her reaction before he went further.

[Daine Merton]

Daine rose along with Sebastian - the wink he cast to the serving girl no going unnoticed. It made her angry almost, why was he flirting with a serving girl when she was right there? She denied the accusations of jealousy her conscience called out - she wasn't jealous, just annoyed. Daine knew of Sebastian's wasy, so it shouldn't really be a surprise that he was like this. But she still felt that burning feeling - maybe it was just the wine, or that she was an attention seeker.

She smiled sweetly at him as they linked arms, no curtesies exchanged. The formalities irritated her, but sometimes they were needed, to stop a relationship developing too fast. The thought of where this could go made the girl queasy - or was it the wine again? She made a silent vow to never drink this early in the day again.

The contrast of the dimly light room to the bright outside blinded Daine slightly. She squinted as her eyes adjusted to the sunny day. It really was a pleasant day - unusual this time of year in England. Birds sang, filling the silence - an oddly comfortable silence - Sebastian created while he thought. He was probably thinking of some elborate story as to whose side he was on. Daine bit back the scowl, how could anyone betray their King?

He spoke of apologies - finally - for his behaviour. "'Tis understandable, My Lord. I know our serving staff live for the tidbits Maggie brings back from Nottingham."

She noticed him slow in pace, though her heart quickened. Was he going to confide in her? He was certainly hinting that he was. It seemed that not only the serving staff of Nottinghamshire lived for gossip, its Nobles did too. Everyone had to know everything, and Daine was no exception to this. With the right words, someone could be putty in your hands - and Daine ignored the warning her sensible side gave. This was make or break for Sebastian. Depending on what he said in these next moments could define her whole outlook on him.

She watched the earnest expression grow on his face, after being turned to face him, as he said, "The Sheriff... is not the kindest of men. My father unfortunately made the Mannering alliance quite clear in his lifetime and I am expected follow suit. With my mother at home I really feel I have no choice but to play along.” He'd played her heartstrings like a professional harpist. He'd played his words just perfectly, and for some reason she didn't have a shadow of a doubt with his story. Well not entirely, it seemed a little out of character but she wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Those loyal to King Richard needed people like Sebastian - someone on both sides. Someone who was flamboyant enough to not cause suspiscion.

She needed to find something to say, but the words kept escaping. Her mind raced with a million thoughts on how this affected things. She tried to keep in mind that he was possibly lying, but there was that hope. He might not be lying.

Finally, she decided to smile - a real one, not one of those forced flirtatious smiles she only shown him until now. "I believe I have been wrong about you Lord Mannering. I took you for what you appear to be - I had no inclination that there was this other side to you."