The quality of that smile had one of his own playing at the corners of his mouth. He was glad she didn't say whatever she might have been thinking. He didn't completely trust himself not to blush.

"Yes, they would've. I imagine the one on one duel would have become an all out bloodbath. Still, I felt like we let you down that night. I didn't like how long it took us to get there." It was all said and done, though, and he could think of no way the larger group could have gained entrance any more quickly than they did. The distraction had been the way to go.

He chuffed a half laugh. "And if I left it wouldn't be quiet enough. So it's good we're staying. We're balancing things out."