Rue said, “I know, but he did some wolf-riding when we were little. At least I know he can stay astride. And he’s pretty deadly with his cravat pin.”

Quesnel said with a cheeky smile, despite obvious tension, “Mon petit chou, any time you want me to ride you again, I would be happy to learn how to do it properly.”

Primrose gave a shocked little squeak at that statement.

Rue was privately thrilled. Perhaps he’s decided he’d like to tutor me in romantic encounters after all.

Then he added, spoiling matters, “Just stay behind where it’s safer.”

Rue was moved to reprimand. “I know you are overset, Mr Lefoux, but do try to control yourself.”

Quesnel persisted, “You don’t know what danger you face, how long it will take, or how you will get back out. You are intending to run into monkey-ridden doom with no more support than a werecat made mortal who we don’t know if we can trust and a ruthlessly incompetent academic.”

“Ho there, old boy!” objected Percy.

Miss Sekhmet said, “Ah, family arguments. Makes me miss my old pride.”

Rue and Quesnel said to her at the same time, “We are not related!”

Miss Sekhmet shrugged. “Neither were many in my pride.”

Quesnel was not to be thus distracted. “Chérie, please, don’t go.”

Rue could feel her face getting hot in frustration. Why is he countermanding my decisions in front of the others? She was mortified. Miss Sekhmet would think her a mere child. “This is the best option we have.”

“It is an imbecilic option!” Quesnel’s jaw muscles worked as he clenched his teeth in an effort to keep himself from yelling.

Rue wanted his interest – of course she wanted his interest – but not this overprotective nonsense. She wanted flirtation and desire, not yet another parent. Sekhmet was right – he was acting like family. “What care you? You, yours, and the ship will remain safe.”

Quesnel stood up and came to lean over her. “Now you are being an imbecile.”

Rue didn’t know how to relate to a Quesnel who was over-emotional. She thought for one terrifying moment that he intended to kiss her again, right there on the poop deck in front of all the decklings and a visiting werecat. There seemed an equally good possibility that he might strike her.

He did neither, only saying, “I am concerned about your safety. This is like you tearing after the lioness all over again.”

Rue was stung. “It isn’t that at all. I’m telling you what I’m doing ahead of time. And I’ll be tearing off as the lioness!”