If she did know all that, she certainly didn't seem to care. Her expression of dull annoyance didn't change at all - as if he was the one wasting her time. It was perhaps a strain not to roll her eyes.

"I'm going to pay you far more than any of those peasants ever did. But if you need proof of that..."

She walked past him, to the servant waiting behind the door - that she forced open with her shoulder. Not a hand or even her whole arm - a hint of what wasn't there. "Bring him his first payment."

"Yes, madam."

With the order given, she returned to her seat - sleeves and dress following behind her.