Night fell, and Rowan was getting ready for bed when a knock came at his door.
"Lord Rowan, are you asleep?" Thalyssra's voice was gentle and ethereal, instantly dispelling some of his drowsiness.
"Not yet. Did you need something, Archmage Thalyssra?" Rowan had no intention of opening the door. If Thalyssra had no serious business and simply wanted a heart-to-heart, he would rather curl up under his blanket and sleep.
A man away from home had to protect himself and give unfamiliar women no openings.
Thalyssra said softly, "Yes, Lord Rowan."
Rowan got up, put on his nightwear, and opened the door for Thalyssra.
Thalyssra had changed into a long dress that exposed her smooth collarbones. Unlike the spirited archmage he had seen during the day, she now looked considerably more feminine.
"You go to bed quite early, Lord Rowan." Thalyssra casually found a topic to ease the awkwardness.
After all, she was visiting a man's quarters at night, and they were alone together. If another Nightborne saw them, they might think something had happened.
This is all Elisande's fault, insisting I come pry information out of him over a heart-to-heart. That wicked woman!
Rowan could see her embarrassment and courteously played along. "I'm used to going to bed early. My wife has never liked me staying up late."
Thalyssra's bright eyes flickered, and she asked in surprise, "You're married, Lord Rowan?"
Rowan nodded honestly. "We haven't held the wedding yet, but under Kul Tiras law, we're legally husband and wife."
"No wonder your wife wants you to go to bed early," Thalyssra murmured in sudden understanding.
Rowan did not catch what she said, nor did he ask.
Following the principle of not flirting with someone he had no intention of marrying, Rowan treated Thalyssra strictly as a negotiating partner