"Percy would understand, I'm sure." He knew about loss. Primal screaming in the wilderness wasn't his way of coping, but he had lost far more than Vex would wish on almost anyone.

"I was thinking of your comfort. But Trinket is happy to keep you company, dear. In your room, or out here, if you'd like – probably not the stables; we don't to upset the horses – but Trinket's used to being cushion and warmth and big protector out in the middle of nowhere. He's very good at it, and comfortable too."