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"Youwith you," Severin said The wooden stall wall protested when he leaned his weight against it "He will stay with you at Noyers The hostlers expect your arrival, and his feeding and lodging has already been arranged"

Elle shook her head "I can’t"

"I thought you said you liked horses?" Severin asked

"I do," Elle said "It’s just…"

For the first time in their acquaintance, Elle was at a loss for words When the pony leaned into her touch her face tightened and she narrowed her eyes It took Severin a fewherself fro to face Severin "You’ve housed me and fed me for weeks, Severin, and you had an entirely neardrobe iven me too much, I can never repay you"

Severin tilted his head, his cat ears quizzically flicking "You aren’t ifts," Elle said "I can take care of myself and my family without aid or assistance"

"I don’t ift It is precisely the opposite," Severin said "Hasn’t anyone given one to you before?"

Elle looked at Rosemerry "Not like this"

"You alone carry your faht as much You have a savior complex"

"I do not!" Elle sputtered

Severin cracked a feline smile at her "You do And you are nearly as proud as I a you joy You seem happier around ani I would send Jock horel too much You said you didn’t have a horse," Severin trailed off with a shrug

"But the dresses--"

Severin sighed, which sounded h I areedy for more, I find your estimation of my wealth deplorable The price of the dresses and Rosemerry are miniscule in comparison to my income I--and my household--will feel no pain on behalf of these purchases They will not even be noticed"

Elle was silent for a moment before she chuckled "Oh, they will be noticed! You can bet that Bernadine and Eht now"