"If we take the coach," Adam pointed out, putting on the new coat and heading down the ladder after Ronan, "Declan will think we're going somewhere respectable, and he won't bother us about it later. Besides which, if you're going to keep me busy as your companion, I want to give orders to have your trunk unpacked and your clothes cleaned and mended."

He stepped up to Ronan's side, ready to obey or follow his lead, but a little more relaxed about being Ronan's companion rather than his servant. It felt almost like things were back to normal. Back to the way they had been years ago. At least until Ronan left again.