“It’s not an embellishment, it’s an accurate representation of the events of the previous evening!” Eloise brushed a speck of dirt off of a shirt that no longer had the capacity to appreciate such a gesture. “Anyway you haven’t even asked why you’re here yet.”

“I have failed to ask,” in an imperious tone. “Because the odds of your knowing the circumstances of my imprisonment are incredibly low. You’ve been here longer than I have, I shouldn’t wonder.”

“For matters entirely out of my comprehension, no less.” Eloise agreed cheerily. “And for knifing a nobleman in the groin. I think,” she frowned slightly. “It is entirely probable,” she continued. “That the knifing is more responsible than matters out of my comprehension.”

“You are no doubt exaggerating again, an action for which I have little patience at this point in time.” Edward strode to the cell door and began banging on it in an official manner. “You there! Turnkey! I demand to know the circumstances of my imprisonment this instant!”