A strange choice of ambassador indeed. He has to wonder at the Bear King's choices, that he would choose such a woman to represent him. "As I said, Alia is highly active. Just please, refrain from challenging her to a race up the side of a building. I believe at least three heart attacks were had that day."

Henri eyes her thoughtfully as she speaks. Would that work on Capet's armies? Would they fear a woman, even if she could turn into a bear? "A girl who becomes a dragon would be a little more stimulating, I think. Short of that, though, a bear would do just fine."