Charlotte, naturally, looked delighted.
"My, my," she said, stepping into the space as if she had discovered a stage. "Commander Granger. I did not realize Veyrhold's first night included private exhibitions."
Sheila's face warmed. "Charlotte."
"And here I was thinking you came here to check patrol routes." Charlotte's eyes moved meaningfully to the cloth in Sheila's hand, then to the folded field layer nearby. "But no, you were showing off all this precious skin in the middle of a ruined settlement."
"I was cleaning myself," Sheila said, voice tight with dignity that had been ambushed. "I thought I was alone."
"Dangerous assumption. Dark ruins, tired students, handsome boys wandering around looking for you."
Liam looked at Charlotte. "I was brought."
"Willingly enough."
"Incorrect."
Sheila's eyes flicked toward Liam, then away again too quickly. "I did not know anyone would come this way."
"I know," Liam said.
