[ he's silent through the entire thing, remains silent as they're seated, though his eyes go half-lidded and sleepy-looking in the warmth. as phillip settles, he even goes so far as to remove his gloves, pushing them down into the pocket of his overcoat. beneath, his hands are black-marked, like odd tattoos of serpent-skin that trail over the back of each finger, up onto the back of his palm, and disappear into his sleeves.

he curls both hands around the cup, glance flicking back up at the question. ]

Yes. [ a pause, blinking slowly. ] I had difficulty concentrating. [ it had been important, so he'd done his best, but he knows he missed things. normally, he'd have a junior executioner to take notes for him, but it hadn't been an option this time. ] I remember to be deferential. That I'm required to sexually satisfy someone three times a month by law. That.. the program is a year..?