Not parting with coin was how you had coin when you needed it. Luckily for Vex, Percy found her avarice endearing. "You have to think the musicians insisted on some form of compensation." If they didn't, they were fools.

Growing more serious, but still has content and in love, Vex cradled his cheek in her hand as the dance brought them close. "Thank you, my darling. For hearing my brother." She hadn't expected Percy would make a scene, but they all knew how he could wield manners like a weapon, if he'd been determined to make Stephanie unwelcome.