The matter was settled, then, and Antigone didn't seem particularly unsettled by its resolution. He thought it would have been preferable to keep her on her toes, and wracked his brain for a moment on the best way to do so before seizing on the perfect way to be suggestive without being overtly crass: contact. Tiberius reached over and slid his hand around the thin waist of her corset. The gesture was not in and of itself enough to be alarming — married couples stood this close and allowed this level of physical contact in public venues all of the time. For the two of them, however, it was unusual; so much so that he felt rather conspicuous even doing it. He might as well have just thrown her skirts over her head and run his hand up his thigh, as far as public displays of affection were concerned in their marriage.

"Have you been enjoying the evening so far?" he asked in a faux casual tone.