"Then you're well on your way," he says; though his voice is still teasing, his smile is genuine enough. "So you need to act, then, like everyone else knows what you already know. That you're someone ferocious. To be respected. That's the true heart of being Vor: knowing that you are, and demanding the recognition from others.

"It's all right if you don't get the details precisely correct. And don't worry about acting like you're accustomed to wealth and luxury, either." He cocks a self-deprecating eyebrow. "There are plenty of nobles who are utterly impoverished. And yet we still manage to turn ourselves out in impeccably tasteful style."