"But you have kissed." Settimo knew better than to lie to him about such things- less out of trust and more out of bone deep terror for being parted from the rest of his flock. A part of him is loathe to have this conversation- the rest knows full well that leaving this be? Will end poorly for both of them. Beleth will be happily led along and Settimo won't think twice of it, assuming Beleth knows her own mind well enough to be able to avoid such manipulations.

A mess none of them need.

"He said you knew what you were about. I had to remind him of the rule that they are not to attempt to seduce or charm anyone into their beds or their way into anyone else's until they understand what it is to not be among the Crows. I think, perhaps, I ought to explain to you what it is to be among them so you understand what you were playing into unknowingly."