Pressing his fingers against his temples, Logan began to rethink this plan for the hundredth time since the squirming little creature had been placed in his arms. It should have been even more distasteful, most likely, to consider buying his sister's good humour with a puppy of all things, but he could see no better option.

The pup was sleeping, finally, after having cried pitifully the entire carriage ride back to the castle and successfully urinated all over Logan's lap. Still, he'd managed to keep the animal a secret even now, hidden away in his room while he changed into dry clothes and assessed the situation.

Rosalyn was going to be furious with him for leaving her behind as he went to explore distant and mysterious lands, he was absolutely certain. The wealth of resources and possible allies espoused in the reports from the expedition he had funded spoke to the necessity of his journey, but he doubted his dear sister would be so easily convinced. Even if Captain Donovan's tales of great deserts rich in metals, gems and fascinating foreigners managed to peak Rosalyn's interest, which it most certainly would, Logan did not relish the thought of telling her she could not accompany the royal voyage.

Legs jerking slightly against his coverlet, the puppy began to chirrup softly, lost in dreams. Logan glanced over at its tiny, restless form, and a smile began to tug at the corner of his mouth. There was a chance, albeit a small one, that the puppy would be enough to convince Rosalyn to forgive him before he left. It would take weeks, perhaps months to prepare a proper expedition force, stock a ship (it would hardly do to bring a fleet; they were explorers, not invaders), and make certain that all his present affairs in Albion were in order.

The Auroran leaders wished to parley with Albion's king, not some hired ship's captain or even a sanctioned envoy. It was a gesture of respect to grant that request, and the young lad all but obsessed with adventuring was cheering uproariously deep in the back of Logan's mind. He'd thought the chance for such daring exploits had slipped through his fingers when the crown had first been placed on his head.

If Rosalyn were a few years older, he might consider leaving her as regent in his absence, as their mother had done for him. In his heart he knew she was still too much of a child, however, so the puppy would have to do. Sir Walter would care for Albion in his stead, along with a handful of political advisors. There was no one else he would entrust with the protection of his country and his sister.