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Two cubes of sugar. [He says it without any hesitation, seemingly used to how he always has his tea. It's his usual go to, though he has definitely tried other combinations of items depending on the tea and how it's brewed. Wriothesley is quite fond of trying out teas as authentically as possible. The man really is into very simple pleasures.

He's caught off guard by Navia's following words though, eyes widening and eyebrows shooting up.] Pardon me, but what makes you think that I might come to resent you?

[Navia and him don't interact heavily. It isn't as though it's because he dislikes her or anything. He respects her quite highly if anything. Walking out of her father's shadow and being a proper boss is not an easy thing to do. As someone who had to crawl to the top, he definitely can understand what sort of pressure she had on her.

His limiting Spina di Rosula and the Fortress dealings was merely an agreement he had been honoring with her late father. Still, he wonders if he had said or done something that makes her think that he holds any ill feelings towards her.

Wriothesley shakes his head after a moment.] I respect you greatly if anything. I am aware of what Spina di Rosula has done under your leadership and what you have managed. [Wriothesley might seem to always be hidden in the depths, but he had eyes and ears everywhere.

He runs a hand through his hair sheepishly.] But if you're worried, I believe how we view sex are very different things. I enjoy the pleasure it brings, and I enjoy giving my partners whatever pleasure possible, but I don't consider it much more than a physical activity. [Sure, that'll probably give something for Navia to chew on as to why Wriothesley views sex so casually, but he has no reason not to be honest.]

So I'm sorry to disappoint if you want something more out of it than a pleasure.

[ Navia drops two cubes of sugar into Wriothesley's tea at his request, then two into hers as well, and looks up at him with equal surprise at his reaction, although perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that he would want to understand her reasoning. ]

Please don't misunderstand. You've never been unkind to me, but our interactions have always been rather limited, and while you've never hesitated to contract with the Spina, you rarely ever deign to deal with me personally, even when it would make sense to do so. It's left me with the impression that you would prefer to avoid interacting with me in particular, and so I've wondered for some time if I had caused some kind of offense.

[ Because, of course, she doesn't know about the standing agreement between her father and Wriothesley. Callas had been a difficult man in so many ways--it seems that while he was paving the way for her future success, he was simultaneously setting up pitfalls for her to encounter along the way, whether intentionally or not. The situation with Colter was a perfect example of that; none of the blame that he laid at her feet had rightfully been hers to carry, and yet she inherited those troubles all the same.

The same seems to be true here, though there's no way she could know it. ]

I'm not sure if I really deserve your praise, but I appreciate it all the same. I hate to admit how insecure I feel at times, but... [ She just shakes her head, chuckling softly in a self-deprecating kind of way. ] It seems I have a habit of overthinking things.

[ She returns to her breakfast then, listening to Wriothesley's explanation of his view of sex. He's right in that their opinions are a little different, but they align in the most fundamental ways. ]

It's not a disappointment, I assure you. I think it should be something both parties consent to and enjoy. And while I would hope for fondness and affection, it isn't like I've never slipped away with someone for a spur-of-the-moment encounter with someone when the chemistry was just right. [ She says that like it's happened more than once... ] It should be fun, you know? That's what I think.

[ Her cheeks feel like they must be on fire now. This is definitely the longest conversation she's ever held with the Duke of Meropide, and one of the most frank she's ever held with anyone. Even Clorinde, before their estrangement, would rarely talk with her about these sorts of things.

The rest of the meal is mercifully uneventful, but the closer her plate gets to being empty, the more restless she gets. She's able to identify the feeling as arousal rather quickly, but that's a little embarrassing too, isn't it? Should the mere prospect of a sexual encounter leave someone feeling a little worked up? ]

[He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly as he seems to consider what he should say.

No, this is expected. Eventually, Navia would become curious why the Fortress seems to limit its dealings with Spina di Rosula. He could deflect, but he also didn't really see any reasons why he shouldn't also be upfront. It was in her right to know now that she was in charge and this affected her organization as much as it affects his.]

I won't say it's because of you, since you are obviously involved, but you've not personally done anything if that is your concern. [He shakes his head.] I am merely honoring an agreement I made with your father. Well, I've been told by more than a few people I am difficult to deal with, so you are with likeminded individuals.

[He chuckles a little as he lifts the tea cup to his face, inhaling. He lets out an exhale.] Well, I find that those who feel themselves undeserving of praise are usually those who are most deserving of it. Your feelings are not so unexpected, nor do I think that you should punish yourself for having them. It is difficult to take on such a mantle. Many people rely on you and your choices and decisions affect more than yourself. I think it normal to feel what you are feeling. What is important is that despite your feelings, you still continue to make difficult decisions.

[His mouth quirks into a smile before h sips at his tea.] I see. Well, then. Do not think of it as merely a kindness. I am seeking out pleasure and a payout that also happens to help you simultaneously. [Except, if she were needing anything, he would offer it. It just so happens that Navia would need to partake in sex in this place. There were too many things here that made it difficult to abstain.

Maybe it's best for her to think him more as cold and calculating. Even if she probably already knew he was more than just that.

While she is restless about what might come, Wriothesley seems completely calm. He eats without any issue, but when he looks up at her, there's something piercing in his gaze. Something knowing in how he looks at her.] Are you okay?

An agreement with my father?

[ The revelation is shocking, if Navia's wide-eyed expression is any indication. What kind of agreement? How long ago had he made this agreement? Why hadn't her father trusted her enough to include her in that decision? What had he been thinking? At every turn, it seems, she finds new ways in which her father owes her explanations, more questions left unanswered.

She's angry, she realizes, at her father and at Wriothesley for their clandestine dealings, but her anger fizzles out quickly. Her father is dead, and whatever his intentions had been back then, it hardly matters now. She's on her own, and Wriothesley has been kind and considerate of her circumstances, regardless of his claim that hes seeking his own pleasure.

At his question, she nods minutely, a little sheepish, a little flustered by all the conflicting emotions she's raced through so far this morning. ]

I'm fine. This is just... it's so much to take in. Being here in this strange place, finding out what's expected of me, learning about even more secrets my father kept from me... I'm not sure how to feel about all of this.

Yes. I don't know the particulars other than that the Fortress of Meropide and Spina di Rosula's interactions should be limited. It's possible he also just didn't like working with me. [Wriothesley knows himself to be difficult when it comes to business. While most would find him to have a friend disposition in a casual setting, the Fortress was a business at the end of the day, and he would make sure that he gets the best for the inmates and the prison.]

It's also possible that regardless of Spina di Rosula's or your own reputation is positive, to deal with the Fortress would possibly cause some dissent. It would cause more issue for you than I at the very least. [He looks down at the liquid in his tea cup before placing the cup down.] Of course, that is only my guess. It matters not since it does not make excuses nor will either of us know the answer.

[As he slides some of the food onto his plate he looks up at her.] Nor does it matter here. You are Navia and I'm Wriothesley. Our titles, our occupations, and anything else holds little value here. [And so his offer to her is not because she is Callas' daughter or the leader of Spina di Rosula. It is merely because she is another potential guest in this place. That he is offering it to Navia, whom he is familiar with.]

Apologies. It is a lot to take in, so take your time. I've had a few months to settle into this place, so I merely have the information you've given me to consider. I will say that I am more at peace knowing that Fontaine persists even if I am not there. [He smiles apologetically.] While it seems all you've learned is a lot to be troubled with. Please don't hesitate to ask for help. I am more than happy to help you settle here.

[ Wriothesley is right: who they are back home really has no bearing on their positions here in this strange hotel. He's offering to help her regardless of their complicated history, and she's grateful for his kindness, and for his calm. It's steadying, in spite of the confusion and uncertainty. ]

I'll be all right. I'm pretty good at thinking on my feet, so I should be okay on my own. But... I'm glad to know that I'll have someone like you to watch my back. It's reassuring.

[ Though, the fact of the matter is he's offered to do more than just watch her back. She glances over at the bed and a fresh blush climbs up her throat. ]

It should go without saying, but I'll do my best to look out for you, too. I'm pretty reliable, you know.

I know you will be. [Perhaps one might think such words can be kind of condescending, but they're said with upmost belief that Navia will be okay.

After all, Navia had not gone through what she had only to be done in by a resort that just wants her to bang more than occasionally. Also, the place was...well, it wasn't terrible by all means. It isn't a vacation, but it also wasn't like they were doing heavy, manual labor or anything.]

Spina di Rosula has done greatly under your leadership and I cannot imagine someone to think of you as undependable. Business negotiations beside, I have never thought of you as lacking, Navia. [Though, he can't help but follow her gaze towards the bed.] Mora for your thoughts?

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