Whitebark Stream meddleborn

So she wasn't open to his attention, or so it sounded at first. Neither did she chase him off or prove a handful for him, which boosted his ego in a backwards way.
Sun Eater, she said. Married, she claimed.

All women seek to be seen; if you did not want the attention you would be with your husband always, or caring for his children, hidden from the eye. Fortunately for me! He grinned now, and laughed a low sound which did not carry far among the trees.

Even now the woman was closer, not farther! She had done this. She wanted to be impressive, imposing, and gave in to what Marius desired: a better view, as he coveted that beautiful face with its hard, cold eyes.

It is a compliment! He did not move away, though. She was the one who controlled their proximity and Marius truthfully believed she was enjoying the banter. Where was this husband? This fool who let his woman roam?