Post by Salvatore Deliambre on Aug 8, 2016 10:33:35 GMT -5
Her interest was not purely wholesome, nor was it purely mercenary in Tory's perspective; as a Sandoval, she had a natural interest in their departure and return, but he doubted she was in any great haste to welcome their return. The concern expressed was merely normal, human and polite, thus did not affect him.
What did stir his protective hackles was the references to his sister. Carlotta and he had fought too hard, endured too much for the knight to allow anyone to disrespect her in his presence. Her position was beyond enviable, often resulting in pettiness and more than a few catty remarks that inevitably roused his ire. Fortunately, he was spared those for now in the form of a reasonable question.
A wry smile appeared as he replied, "We seldom venture back to Catanara, my lady. Our duties here do not grant either of us sufficient leave to spend the holidays, so more often, our parents and siblings journey to Bordelaix instead so that we may enjoy some family." He supposed that for one more accustomed to one's own city, the rituals that took place in the capital would feel decidedly foreign. "It is different, but I think you will find the holidays enjoyable here. There are many celebrations and events during those weeks for those who enjoy socializing."
A brow rose at her blush, surprised to see it. She hadn't struck him as a particularly modest or humble woman thus far. "Indeed, but then your hue is not common here, as you can tell." A nod indicated the bevy of blondes milling about the courtyard. He himself inherited the darker hue of his mother while Carlotta's lustrous gold came from their father.
Ah, the infamous marriage between his family and the Montefiores. Tory had hardly been able to congratulate Cesare before learning that the bride had changed at least once. "Ah yes. My cousin Cesare. My younger sister was able to apprise me of the details, though," Tory's face hardened, "I was most aggrieved to learn of the attack on both families while in Anzio." He was grateful there were no deaths, though there had been too many close calls. And few answers. It made him wary, and ever more convinced now that he faced a Sandoval.
Distracted by the whistle, he glanced in its direction, aware that it was an alert that the party was nearly ready to depart. With considerable miles to cross, it could not be soon enough for him. Tory remembered all too well the ambush on the road home from Vasile and wanted to deliver the Princesses safely to Vanderhall as soon as possible.
Turning back to Rosalinda, he smiled coolly. "That would be my call to arms, I fear. It has been a pleasure to speak with you, my lady. You'll excuse me, please?"
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Rosalinda Sandoval