Just as planned. Or at least hoped for. Unfortunately for him, when she's most inclined to return his feelings she's least inclined to act on them; it's half the reason he gets a cold shoulder half the time. In the long run, sort of, the silent treatment is a good sign; but only insofar as he doesn't know it.

Now she's willing to use whatever works to get what she wants, and she smiles to herself as she pours a glass of wine, expression hidden as she turns to hand it to him.

"I appreciate it," she confides, tone guarded and eyes not quite meeting his. If the rest of her story were true, that would be as well; she resents the knight in shining armor act, but his loyalty is as endearing as it is infuriating.