Verity can hear the contempt; it starts subtle, but doesn't stay that way.

"Because I've learned that there are those who would take advantage, though they don't need alcohol to do it if they're using magic." He shrugs one shoulder and his tail curls around the leg of his chair.

"Kind advice," he says, dry as tinder. "But I see no need to dilute perfectly good wine when I can just have something else."