Alec's green eyes narrow sharply. Yes, he knew it was a weapon. He isn't a complete moron, but he's never seen anything like it before. He wants, almost needs to know about it, and how do you know about anything if you don't experience it?

And that's another thing. "I don't remember asking you to keep me safe." In fact, Alec asked Richard to do the exact opposite and had to settle for a promise of someday. He isn't terribly disappointed, however, because being kept safe usually involved excitement.

This is a very boring safety, despite the danger of dropping out of a non-first floor window. "That's dramatic for you, isn't it? Sometimes, I don't think you can resist. What a pity you're climbing out of windows here instead of on the Hill. You could double your fees once the salacious rumors hit the ears of the nobles."