"I like to think many of us are participating out of sheer obstinacy." Which was a least partially true of Dorian. "And there are always exceptions to every rule, I believe. Except for that one, of course."

It was as though a piece of himself were missing, one he'd never fully recover, and the thought of that alone was terrifying enough to avoid the thought process entirely. It would instead be explored later, in solitude, where he could properly fall to pieces away from prying eyes.

He instead shakes his head at her assessment. "There is something to be said for a cozy tavern rather than a wine hall filled with pomp and circumstance."