Lenore gives her hand a squeeze, pleased with their agreement, and then leans forward to plant a sweet, brief kiss on Gideon's lips. She doesn't linger in it, letting go of Gideon's hand and rising to her feet. "Finish eating, I'll be right back. Leave everything except the books. You have nicer things awaiting you in your room."

Her room, which has been waiting for her, as promised, since day one, and just the way Lenore described it.

Lenore comes back a moment later, having only gone to the guard station, but in addition to the key dangling from her finger there's ... a black leather collar and leash.

She unlocks the door and steps inside, leaving the door open this time. Stepping in front of Gideon with the collar, Lenore looks apologetic but earnest. "Will you endure this for me? It's the symbol more than anything. I trust you, but the others are still wary. You've seen how the guards keep away from you. If I'm letting you out, I need it to be seen that you're mine, and obedient."

It is a symbol, but being seen by the others is only an excuse. Lenore wants the symbol of Gideon choosing to yield to her, of obeying and accepting her role as Lenore's pet. The leash might come off once they reach Gideon's new room, but Lenore intends the collar to stay on.