Unusual Features

"I don't feel sorry for her!" Vice insisted.

It was later in the day, and he and Davi were eating together in their room. They were welcome to eat in the servant's dining area, but none of them was inclined to socialise; even for the benefit of gathering information.

"I was written all over your face. You almost patted her head."

Vice snorted. "Yeah, because that would have gone over great. I'm sure she would have really encouraged it."

Whatever. He wasn't sorry for Melissa. If anything he pitied her. There was a difference. 

She was obviously a very sad woman, and whether she knew it or not, she was locked up inside a gilded cage. 

Vice didn't know if she'd consciously walked into it and closed the door behind her, or if she was led there and trapped against her will. In any case, he doubted she could still get out.