Honesty is good.

She grinned back at Larkin as he admitted he didn't like the name Siona and felt even more at ease than she had before. He seemed to be rather nice in his own way, mysterious and very intriguing. She felt somewhat disappointed as he looked away to glance at something happening in the corner, but she reminded herself that she was recieving far more attention from the noble than any other women had that night; despite her lack of makeup and perfumes---and her age, for that matter. She blushed softly as she realized she was merely a beggar, a peasant who would never normally be allowed near Larkin, yet here she was. She had most of the Shrike's attention, and that seemed to be a valuable thing.

As Larkin turned back to face her with a rather devilish smile, she felt herself blush for what must have been the millionth time that night.

"If you came alone, does that mean you won't be spending the night in the castle like the rest of my invited guests?"

Stelon looked flustered, trying to figure out what to say to that. Finally she allowed herself to smile at him and respond.

"Well...er, you see, I'm afraid I had no intention of staying the night, nor do I recall being invited to do so, though my plans to stay with a relative of mine have fallen through."

She shrugged slightly and watched the wheels turn in Larkin's head as he registered this. As he did, she hoped dearly that not all the guests were invited to stay the night. If this was the case, she had just given away she was not supposed to be there, and she would definitely be in for some trouble.