Mab dipped her head once like a fencer's salute, acknowledging his explanation if not fully agreeing with it. It's not that she did not believe the world was affected by those in it. That was patently obvious. She just did not feel that it made a difference to a person individually once they were gone.

Instead she let him lead her along the floor, weaving between the other partners with easy enjoyment. "Do you think this evening will end without bloodshed?" It was more curiosity and the notice that so many warring factions were present than real eagerness for things to end horribly.