Nick was watching her, too, she realized, as those thoughts clamored in her mind. But not with puzzlement or enmity. He was just looking, tilting his head on the side, with one eye partly closed. Pardon me, he said. I was wondering how you knew Sam. Are you a . . . um . . . a princess? Only, if you're his fiancée or something, I thought I should know. To . . . ah . . . offer my congratulations, as it were. And I don't even know your name.
Nick was observing her closely, but not with suspicion or hostility. Instead, he appeared curious, tilting his head and partially closing one eye as he questioned how she knew Sam. His tone was polite yet inquisitive, wondering if she was a princess or engaged to Sam, and implying that he wanted to be respectful if she was close to him. Nick also admitted he didn't know her name, which suggested an awkward or tentative start to the conversation.
Throughout, the quote reveals an uncertain but friendly interaction, with Nick trying to understand her relationship with Sam. His approach was polite, marked by a hint of surprise or confusion about her connection to Sam, and a desire to make proper introductions and offer congratulations if appropriate. The scene hints at a nuanced social dynamic, with mutual curiosity and a somewhat tentative tone.
