Re: Esteem.
She'd said yes. This made Orrin happier than he had been the last couple of days. He grinned at her. "Tonight it is," he said. "Yes," he said, "The royal family were obliging enough to give me a room in the palace." The bed wasn't big enough for him to fit in it (though it was a large bed by normal standards), but he'd been supplied with plenty of blankets and pillows to make a very comfortable sleeping place. It was also on the first level, so it was very convenient for him.
"Even so, you need not worry over me," he said, offering her another smile. He would have slept outside if he had to. "But I appreciate your concern." He bent at the waist and placed a kiss on the top of Qiana's head, and straightened almost as quickly. "Go inside, my lady. I will see you this evening."