"My sister is not finished," Cassian corrected.
"I know." Chester's voice dropped. "I just want to be close... to her."
A servant came with more bread. Both men went quiet until the door shut again.
Cassian drank. The tea was still too hot.
"You want her," he said.
Chester did not deny it. "I want the chance to be decent in front of her. Wanting her is a separate sin. I can carry both."
Cassian almost smiled. It did not reach his eyes.
"A day ago you asked me to spend time with you so I could catch the performance. Today you sound like a man who has already decided he will fail the performance on purpose."
"I decided I would rather you dislike the truth than like a costume." Chester leaned back. "Ask what you came to ask, Captain. The food will not get colder for it."
Cassian did.
