The Tranquil make Martel deeply, profoundly uncomfortable- but it isn't about them, really, and he spares this one a sparse smile he doubts means anything and is nevertheless a good deal kinder than the one he bestowed on Cade.

He isn't so unsubtle as to rest his hand on his sword-hilt, but something of the sentiment remains in the air of relaxed predator about him, studying the discards. (The furniture, not Cade.)

"I don't mean to insert myself where my opinions are unnecessary," he says, pleasantly, "but I have a question or two you might entertain."

It sounds like he's giving him a choice about it.