"Because, as she will no doubt inform all who can hear her, I am a stubborn snarly over protective fussy bossy male," he said with a rich laugh. "I promise you, neither Caste nor wealth stops anyone I know from being either stubborn sheep or going hissy cat." A bright smile.

then a drop more serious. "There are times that call for formality, and knowing when those are and how to act is part of protocol. But there are some easy warning signs to know if you are getting close, or maybe even there. If a Blood Male, as I am a Blood Male, has glazed eyes, you want to be very still, very polite, and ask nicely for a favor." It was more complicated than that, but based on the relationships she was likely to have with any Blood Male who arrived, that was the best way to keep her safe. And alive. "If the air gets cold or ice starts to form on things, again, polite and as exact and formal as possible. And, you know, if you see one of the Blood killing someone... formal is probably your safest bet there too, until you know Protocol. But the rest of the time, most of my friends and the court? We'd rather be friends and friendly than fuss with Caste and Rank and such."

Then he grinned again and leaned back, "and if it helps at all, some of the strongest, richest, and most powerful Blood I know... are afraid of members of their own staff," he said with a laugh. "But then if you ever saw Mrs. Beale with her cleaver you'd be afraid of her too," he teased.