[ Every instinct he's developed over seventeen years of life is screaming at the wrongness of this moment. This sort of thing was Lucy's purview, but Lucy was gone and Lockwood was trying to ignore how deep within the weeds he felt.

Deep, very deep, and unfortunately not unfamiliar territory.

Still, he sat as if at his leisure, and though he gave the servants a polite nod of acknowledgement, wild horses couldn't make him eat any of the fruit on offer. His attention turned back to his host, his focus absolutely and perhaps enough to offset the otherwise forced smile. ]

Thank you for your time, Messalina I will attempt not to take too much. I am here with some questions, if you would be willing to indulge me? I was wondering if we could talk about the offer you have extended to Caius Justus, in exchange for Ephes' support.