"I...!" She looked as if she wanted to protest, and her eyes flicked back and forth as she searched his face. Then she exhaled, sagging in place as she relented. "Maybe you're right. I haven't been able to sleep since I found out. It's too risky to let my guard down."

She rubbed at her eyes and brushed at her cheeks. "Maybe I'll rent a room at the inn. No one will expect that, I don't think, and it'll help me clear my head and think in a safe place. Thank you, kupo."

Turning toward the city gates, she was quiet for a moment, as though gathering her resolve. "All right. Let's go."