[Dorian glances up at the loss of the bottle, but he can't bring himself to mind. He's more relaxed here than he's been in some time. He sits up enough to move the plate of bread and cheeses so he can lay back with his head resting back on one of Byerly's legs.]

Well, yes. I have more causes than just lying about kissing pretty men and avoiding getting murdered, you know. [All this gives him the opportunity to talk with his hands, so he makes gestures indicating ranks as he goes on.] In my homeland, there are strict social classes. There are the common folk, then there are altuses, which is where I stand because of my bloodline. The step above that is the political position of magister, which is what my father is. If I were to take his place, I'd be expectant to dull the sharp tongue of mine lest I want a dagger in my back. And I don't do well muzzled.