"What if someone comes in the window?" Lenore asks, light and unconcerned, just a casual retort to Gideon's suggestion. She fluffs out her hair, loosened from its crown braid. "You'll be here to react either way. I feel confident in our welcome in this village. While assassination attempts are always a risk, I doubt there will be anything organized. The soldiers will rotate watches--which also lowers the amount of beds we're all taking up--but you I'd rather have well-rested and at my side. So get ready for bed."

Fully aware of Gideon's flustered desire, Lenore slips into the bed, staying to one side so as to make it slightly more obvious that the other side is empty and expecting an occupant. The maid quietly busies herself with tidying up, making certain the window is securely covered, and then settling into her own little bed.