"It might be -- up your alley." Reinette tested the phrase on her tongue, threading the words together. "But you are hardly -- how should it be said -- up its."

She took another step back, this time to critically study his appearance. Everything that followed was brisk. Unaffected.

"You will need a change of clothing. Perhaps a bath."

Reinette lifted her skirts slightly to turn back in the direction of the palace. She cast a glance at the captain over her shoulder.

"Shall we?"