Raju huffs, smiles. "A dangerous question," he says, and lets his eyes linger on Francis while he considers the possibilities, purely to feel the strain of it. He shivers, then laughs a little under his breath.

He thinks on it for another moment, watching Francis leaning back against the table. A little of his cheer — just a little — replaces itself with concern. "You've been standing for a while. You should sit down."

But— "Without coming closer," he adds hurriedly. "I think I need you to stay where you are."