He wants to ask. The woman can turn into a bear! Who wouldn’t? But he keeps his thoughts to himself. Isabelle Beaumont is not due to return home any time soon, and he expects that the ability to turn into anything named the Beast of Camwood is a less than ideal topic for a first – or second – meeting. “As it turns out, there is dirt outside. Occasionally mud. I have learnt not to get too attached to my finery, so you may slaver over me as much as you wish.”

Henri can’t help a smirk at that, and that second smile only improves his good mood. “I see you are indeed capable of great cruelty. I will be sure to inform Alia you think so.” The hesitation is noted, and immediately discarded. There’s no point in calling her out on it, not unless he has some strange wish to ruin the rapport they’ve established so far. “Then allow me to lead you to freedom. Perhaps you can tell me more of Camwood as we walk? It has been some time since I visited.”

He considers, briefly, if she has thought on his identity at all.