It takes a moment for Athessa to settle on a course of action. She could press, be the brat that they all know she's fully capable of being, and risk grinding some sensitive portion of Byerly's friendship into dust. She could stand and return to her own business, leaving Byerly with the open offer and gifts if he should change his mind.

But she's tried those tactics before and they didn't yield the best results, now did they?

"Ben," she calls, leaning to look past the back of her chair at the walnut known as Byerly's assistant.

"Give us the room, please."