The displeased twist of her lips and low, sceptical hum while she stares at him should tell him all he needs to know. She sees what you're doing, Zandros, and it won't work on her like it did Heather and Jacob.

"I know what you actually mean when you say that, Zandros. I debated with politicians as a teenager." On mundane matters, sure, or just to play devil's advocate, but it still taught her a lot. "Don't try to sugarcoat whatever you say to me. It wastes my time and your breath."

Isidor narrows her eyes at him until she's sure she's pressed the point thoroughly enough. Then, with a sigh, she looks back to where the Weatherhills had been standing. "They're gone now, anyway. And you have an event to plan." He gets her attention again. "What are you thinking?"