Sonia laughs at that -- really, truly laughs, like it's just them in this room, like they're back in her tent, like the guards and cell around them just melt away under Byerly's ridiculously affected voice. She claps her hands in delight when he's done, a real smile blossoming on her face.

"You know, my formal education stopped at around age thirteen. Perhaps I ought to hire you as a history tutor." Sonia grins helplessly at him, then fakes an utterly overplayed swoon, the back of her hand to her forehead. "Goodness me, dear Byerly, I think I'm feeling a little tipsy already. Tell me another, please. Got any more limericks?"