[ A great deal more than most men. Most men try to ply her with trinkets and gifts, promises to marry her out of her household so she can no longer play handmaid any longer. Foolish; if they looked a little closer, they'd understand she never had any intention of leaving her house or her duty. It's a romantic's way out, and utterly disgusting. No man has ever really known Alysia. No man except for Deron...and he's given her everything and more.

And now she'll never be able to return to his house. ]

You don't know very much of me to make a statement like that.

[ There's no malice in her voice, only skepticism, even if he's right. Alysia holds Charles' gaze while she turns the ring on her finger slowly, the motion thoughtful. Oh, she hears his proposition, she simply chooses to ignore it. He's not the first and certainly won't be the last. Some part of her wishes to remain in the city and build influence...but the trouble, of course, is that she will never travel - and if she does, she will be alone and mostly unprotected. She can build influence and learn secrets, sell them at her leisure, and make a profit as she roams the seas. Charles may not like to venture into ports and towns, but she does. ]

And what are your terms, if I were to accept such an offer?

[ Only a fool would simply say yes without knowing the fine print. ]