Malcolm blinks, the surprise rocking him back physically. "Oh."

He supposes that's always a possibility when one becomes friends with the likes of Benevenuta. Or anyone with a name of note and of money and of influence. Still, an attempt at an arranged marriage! Not something Malcolm would spread around, of course, especially since it came to nothing. He's just glad he isn't likely to get any letters from his family suggesting the same thing.

It isn't that he disagrees, necessarily, with the notion of what Benuta deserves, but there's also the extremely important matter of everyone around her being a chess piece. But Aleron must already know her methods and manners, knowing her so well. "It seems as though she's beginning to gain a monopoly on Seekers. As always, a smart move on her part."