In a stark contrast to the last time Ianthe caught her chin, this time there was no conquettish demurrage, instead Peony's eyes bore straight back into hers in an unspoken challenge. It struck a chord in her mind that this wasn't her usual play for seduction but was it merely feeling inadequate that was pushing her to behave this way?

"Good things come to those who wait." It was a bullshit saying that had been levied on too many occasions against Peony, but, gods did it make for a good teasing line.