She could relate to the burdens created by a name, at least to an extent. It was not such an easy thing to change. In this, Shayleiah and herself shared common ground. She had handled her obligations as it had suited her, while circumstance had shaped the course. It would be interesting to see how the girl would handle the weight of her own name and the significance it brought with it.
Amusement lingered as he continued, "Perhaps then, you're not so worried about my influence," she suggested, recalling an earlier conversation. It seemed like such a long time ago, really, given everything that had taken place afterward. She had to admit that she was also curious about how Shayleiah would respond to her. Unlike many of the rumors regarding her apparent 'disinterest' in children, she enjoyed their company. It was an unfortunate truth, however, that she spent very little time in their presence.
As he stood, she turned to keep him in her line of sight, offering her back to those who still lingered below them. "You were simply looking for the wrong signs," she teased, feeling much more relaxed then she had all day. Perhaps it was the conversation, but she was more inclined to believe it was the company. "You were not the only one to ask for my hand, but you were the only one I allowed to try again." It had not taken long for others to stop pressing her about it. Some of her responses had not been appropriate for some of the halls she'd uttered them in. Still, it had suited her desire to remain as she was. "I was charmed enough, it would seem."
She took his laugh as a point in her favor, leaning back against the railing to consider him as he spoke, a small smile on her lips. "Well," she said somewhat wryly, tapping the tightly cinched waist of her dress, "it's certainly more of a task to inhale." Despite her dislike for certain things, it could not be ignored that this was the life she had been raised for, whether it was in the West or here at Court. Her own preferences made little headway against something so ingrained in their lives. Politics and the intricacies of their particular social constructs were things that would always be there.
"Others have stood long before me and dealt with the same expectations I face now. It seems unfair to complain too much," she responded, "besides, Court serves it's purpose like anything else. We can agree on that, at least. Though I have to admit, your ability to make all of this look so easy has caused a moment or two of frustration from time to time." It was not an accusation, but rather said with a certain amount of fond amusement. She knew well that it was not as easy as he made it appear. They each had their own respective strengths and this just happened to be one of his.
"Still, perhaps now that I am choosing to be within Court, I might grow to share your appreciation for the game it truly is. It is not as though I do not have an excellent example to follow."