Tormenting Benedict: a joy. Tormenting Vega, who did not ask for this: out of the question. And so as soon as Byerly sees the least sign of distress on her face, he steps in.

"Maker above, Artemaeus," he says, shaking his head, "you must have been falling down drunk not to remember so lovely a creature."

And then he turns his attention on Vega. Byerly has a very respectable smoulder, all things considered - a privilege bestowed upon him by his very long eyelashes and very dark eyes. He turns that on her now, smiling at her in a way that is flirtatious without being particularly forward.

"He's a dreadful man, isn't he, our Benedict?"