You requested my presence, lady Vanessa. I am not one to answer summons as a steward would.

[ his tone is a little more stern here, only hinting at something like annoyance without crossing over the line into it. were she continue to withdraw as she is and blame it on courtesy for him, he might become annoyed. he doesn't move to rejoin her by her side just yet either, her turned back still leaving the possibility of rejection still there. but neither is he making a move to leave. ]

What burden may reach us here, where we have been pulled away from such burdens awaiting us? To not speak of them only ensures their power over you.