[ She laughs, her voice still teasing. ] Charm needs a higher tolerance for people's bullshit than you got. That's why I was surprised when you told me anyone bothers draggin' you to royal parties. No one has more bullshit than rich, powerful people.

[ Which she doesn't blame him at all for. The more charming you let yourself be, the more people will want to take up your time and energy. It's much more efficient to save up any charm one might have for situations that are actually beneficial.

She watches the space above them when he lifts his hand, and the air shimmers like heat on asphalt. It might be simple and unimpressive to him, but she's never seen anyone just do something like that, and her eyes widen. ] Is magic like, a religious thing for y'all? If priestesses teach it?