There's no hiding the way Hythlodaeus startles at the sudden warmth of Hades's breath in his ear, lips pursing again to try and salvage some pride. Between that and Irhya's look, Hythlodaeus gets the feeling he's in danger.

"Whatever happened to valuing privacy, most eminent Emet-Selch? Though mayhap I needn't be so surprised, not after what you've done at the cafe."

It's up to Irhya to imagine what that was. Hythlodaeus isn't sharing yet.

"But I do agree with you, Irhya. For all our Architect tries to act confident nowadays, that resolve is rather quick to crumble, if you but assert a little dominance over him."

He's not losing this game.