"Very complicated," she protested cheekily. "But why talk when we can give strange dowry presents to people? Or just attack them? No, no, talking is vastly overrated." That was accompanied by a roll of her eyes and another sip from her drink.

"He won't hurt you, I promise. He's an excellent judge of character." And this was true, of course, but she couldn't help but rib him a little. "Bring him a bone and he'll roll right on over for you. Of course, it's another story entirely if he's actually upstairs and sleeping in the bedroom. You'll have to lavish him with attention before he lets you near me."