Now Bastien is equally as unimpressed with Richard as with Marcus before, but that doesn't make it past the filter to his face. A head tilt does, at the unexpected answer—not the substance of it, but that it's the best Richard is choosing to offer—as well as an eye-narrowing curiosity. But he doesn't ask. He doesn't say anything, because nothing he could say would be important enough to delay compliance with Marcus' order or an answer to Derrica's question.

He only coaxes his horse closer, alongside Richard's, until the gap between them is short enough he can reach a hand out to await the dagger.