It was strange. Artie didn't normally get complimented because of her looks before; even Larkin wasn't calling her the most beautiful. She figured it must have something to do with her current Authority Rank. Either that or Larkin was just realizing that he should be the first to compliment his wife's face.
Then again, the answer made Artie get off of her seat and stand next to the archduke who only followed her with his gaze, his head moving as if letting her know that he was indeed paying attention to her. She then sat at the edge of his heavy desk. Her hands flattened on her thighs, and she smiled down at him.
"So it's both inappropriate and infuriating to you? Seeing me… frolicking with younger men?" She moved her head a little to get over the pause, but her tone continued to be innocent.
