Nay, I am not, but naught is gained by holding back. Though, admittedly, none of this was truly part of my plan...

[Honestly, he hadn't expected such a brutal reaction. He knew there was more to Steven, something just below the surface, and his curiosity got the better of him.]

Mm, never you mind that, I will be fine once you depart for your journey. I've plenty of schemes in the works, none of which involve Steven. And even if they did, he would not get the upper hand again, you can be certain of that.

[But he will definitely think of a few now...]