It was endearing, in a way, how he appeared quite sincere about restricting corruption from influencing Shayleiah. Every went through a stage of sentimentality, in deed. She stood by her opinion that it suited him for no other reason than the fact that she enjoyed seeing it now. "She is young yet," she assured him, taking pity on the part of him that spoke as a Father, "Three years at the most, I think, should keep her innocent enough."
She was teasing of course, but that was simply the way it was between them. They had their obligations and knew what was expected of them, but beneath all of that was their game of teasing and temptation. It was a bit of excitement among all the formality, despite knowing it was a game with no definitive end.
She did not pull back when he reached to touch her hair. They stood with only their guards in attendance, both parties safe with the knowledge. There was no need yet to move and she would not shy away by a simple action. "That is true, but I felt it would be unkind to deny you the opportunity to point out any flaws in my behavior that you have borne witness to." Perhaps that was a challenge, as well, though her easy smile and relaxed demeanor softened the urge to have it met.
She did not behave as other women of the court and she had no intention to alter her behavior in present company for the sake of propriety. She was not in court and she did not speak to a Lord, she was speaking simply to a very good friend.