I huffed a surprised laugh. "I think you are the one who doesn't fully understand the nature of people or politics, if you believe you'll never have to make nice and sugarcoat things once you end up bonded to a noblewoman who moves in the same circles as the royal family. I fear your pointed humor might get you in trouble then." I doubted it, really. The royals lived for that kind of thing. But I wasn’t going to tell him that.
His smile this time was fleeting, but real, and it transformed his frosty features. "Perhaps I play the game too well, my dear, and was simply testing your response."
I grinned. "Now I think that was the brutal truth."
He shrugged. "Perhaps. Bach says that from what you have conveyed, the Prize seems to be someone with a good heart and a sense of fairness, and he believes the royals are looking out for the wellbeing of the competitors. He has encouraged us all to be open and honest with you, should you have questions." He rolled his eyes. "And Fife and Mirri are enamored with you. It's too bad you aren't the Prize, miss Rina. I'm sure that would make my teammates' day, with how they've all gone on and on about their interactions with you."
