I'm always cold here.

[ Because she dresses like she's still in Bezim, all bright patterns and loose, thin sleeves. Maybe having it brought up so casually is what goads her into what she says next. He wasn't supposed to notice what she tries to hide. ]

Did you know your left earlobe trembles a little bit when you lie? I noticed it when you told me the... balloon-carriage was untested. [ Just took her the value of hindsight to figure out what it meant. ] And I noticed you let Mikhail refer to you by title, no grousing or correcting; perhaps he would be a fine choice for a wife.

[ She folds her arms over the edge, staring out at the lake. From this high up, the sun makes it look like a sheet of gold. ]

I have two eyes and am capable of holding as few as three thoughts in my head at one time. I can pay attention to you and the scenery just fine, moi Tsar.

[ Stop, she hears, in her mother's horrified soprano. For once, it doesn't work. (And why should it? It's not a real voice, just a figment left over from having squirms and skinned knees trained out of her.) ]

I thought you invited me up here as a friend. I didn't realise a role was required.