Sometimes, he is glad for his stoic demeanor, as it allows him to maintain his dignity even when he does not feel very dignified at all.

The way she kisses him and pulls at his hair leaves him feeling quite wrong-footed in the best sort of way, and it's only through long practice of keeping his composure that he avoids doing something like stuttering or blushing, not that she'd really be able to tell in the darkness anyway.

"I do hope you are not unwell, my lady," he replies, equally loud, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at her performance. "It seems a pity to miss out on such an entertaining event."