There was a lot shocking about, after a century, being suddenly unable to hold one's tongue. She was very pretty, and very charming but, to be honest, not that pretty. No woman was more beautiful to him than his own life and that would be the cost if his true name or nature came to light.

He'd already had one close call. He did not want another.

Well, he'd already let that cat out of the bag, and it would be worse to try to stuff it back in. Maybe a little truth wouldn't be the end. "I didn't. Though I didn't know that until recently. I was raised by cousins as if I were their own."

Ah yes very maudlin and the worst part of it was that he knew it sounded like the stuff from a cheap novel. He was about to continue when...was that a bell? He tilted his head at her, puzzled.