Claire felt like a traitor leaving Owen in the stables all night, but she feared if she visited him in secret the villagers would believe she was conspiring with the monster they so feared. Aside from Sableuse, very few people trusted Owen in this shape, though Claire hoped they'd change their minds. They didn't seem wary of Owen in the same way James was, for their fear was dependent on James' belief that Owen was evil. Claire tried not to be bitter, but it was frustrating to know that the fate of her husband depended on James' verdict predominantly, and since he was so closed-minded, his peers were as well. She didn't want James to blindly accept Owen, per se, but she wished he'd at least give him a chance. If he remained firm in his beliefs, so would the more gullible villagers.

She made her way to the kitchen with these thoughts buzzing around in her head, and she found herself getting frustrated to the point where she felt like kicking something. It was all so unfair, and not even for a good reason. Owen's exclusion was based on politics and rigid dogmas that would prove difficult to rethink for some. The problem with their hatred was that it was as natural as breathing to them, and they genuinely thought poor Owen was a monster because of his shape. Claire had tried pointing out the painfully obvious, but it seemed to be all for naught. Luckily, as she started making herself breakfast, Sableuse entered the kitchen and gave her a hug. Claire burst into tears, and was surprised to find that converting her anger to sorrow was much more therapeutic than letting frustration consume her. She was lucky that the person who found her was the only one who genuinely believed her without hesitation. Sableuse patted her back and rocked her back and forth.

"Shhh . . . It's okay. It's okay, honey. We'll get through this."

Claire hiccoughed.

"It's so hard, Sableuse. I'm trying not to get mad at them, but they just don't understand. If I lose my temper, it'll only hurt my cause, but they don't seem to listen either way."

"I know, honey, I know. The only proof they look for is evidence that supports their beliefs, and if you make a mistake, they'll home in on it like wolves. But don't lose hope, dearie. Not everyone believes James. No matter how many people turn away from you, they can always be brought back, and in the meantime, I'm here."

Claire sniffled and wiped her eye by running the tips of her fingers over it quickly.

"I just want my husband back. Why can't they see how much he means to me?"

"They will in time. It's just Owen, after all. Nothing to be afraid of."

Claire nodded.

"He's more afraid of them. Poor thing."

Sableuse smiled.

"Well, let's not keep him waiting, then. Why don't you bring him breakfast, and I'll draw a bath."

Claire smiled.

"Thanks for understanding."

"That's what friends are for."

Feeling somewhat better, Claire brought a stack of toast to Owen, but found someone had beat her to the stables. Fleur was standing in front of Owen's pen with an apple in her hand, rubbing his snout as he leaned over the gate to take a bite. Claire quirked a brow.

"Someone's being spoiled."

Fleur yelped and jumped a little, and Owen snorted. Claire smiled and leaned against the doorway.

"It's okay. I come bearing gifts."

She held up a piece of toast loosely.

". . . If you're still hungry, that is . . ."

Owen licked his beak.

"I'm always hungry."

Fleur smiled and scratched his chin.

"Owen needs to be fed more often, now that he's a dinosaur."

Claire laughed.

"Is that so?"

"Mhm. He eats apples just like a horse. He doesn't have a mane to brush, though."

"Would you like him better if he did?"

"Well, I always wanted a pony."

Owen burst out laughing. Claire set the plate on the ground and crossed her arms, smiling.

"Owen's not a pony, Fleur. He's the same as before, just in a different body."

Owen winked.

"I don't know about that. If Fleur wants a pony, I can make do, though I prefer the term 'stallion' . . ."

Fleur grinned and rubbed his snout. She giggled as he made a horse noise and blew air in her face. Claire rolled her eyes.

"Well, Ponyboy, I hate to cut the fun short, but Sableuse has a bath ready for you."

Fleur pouted.

"But I was gonna brush him."

"You just said he doesn't have a mane."

"He doesn't need one. I can use the horse brush on his scales."

"I don't think he'd like that very much, sweetheart."

Owen chuckled.

"I don't mind. I'm just glad someone here wants to make me feel welcome."

Claire's smile shifted. She sighed and put her hand on his neck.

"Let's not keep Sableuse waiting."

As it turned out, they were not allowed in the castle. James had changed his terms overnight, and although Claire was ready to push back, Owen agreed to his demands with an overly pleasant yet restrained smile. He was trying hard to regain James' trust, but Claire could see that it was a futile effort. Owen would continue to be a doormat and James would continue to bully him. It was a cycle with no clear escape route, or at least no pacifistic ways of solving the problem. Although this predicament was taking a toll on Owen, he didn't let it show. He played with Fleur the whole afternoon, giving her pony rides and pretending to count with his feet. For a while, he seemed to forget the other villagers, but when he was once again locked away, he was reminded how little faith they had in him.

That night, Claire lay tossing and turning in bed. She thrashed around trying to get comfortable, but it was no use. With a frustrated growl, she flung off her covers and stumbled into the hall with exhaustion. Staggering to the front entranceway, she fumbled around for her coat and boots and trudged to the stables. Once there, she kicked off her shoes and lumbered over to Owen, who was also awake. She climbed on top of him and lay flat on his belly, sighing with relief. Owen was worried that she'd be caught, but despite this fear, he was happy she was with him. They felt the exact same way about this development, and though there was a risk involved, they decided not to leave each other. Without speaking a single word, they settled into the hay and fell asleep.