"Not I, Ser. I was born with the heart of an old maid. I recall childhood as a time when I had help raising my siblings," Mia replied with a small chuckle. "But I concede your point."

A thoughtful moment passed, her teeth raking briefly over her lower lip. "Mm. Why not say what you mean? You could be diplomatic and tell them what is reassuring, what they want to hear, or be plain in intent and motive. There will be more disagreements to start, but surely compromise could be found more easily when both sides are open about what they want."