Near the kitchens, but not quite in the kitchens: the stables were a perfect spot for a (hungry) Warden who was conscious about getting under the chef's feet. That's where Sabriel is right now, incidentally, sat on an overturned log and trying to, y'know, act casual and eavesdrop as to what was going on when the door opened because several layers of thick stone and you got nothing. Soon lunch would be ready and strolling into the kitchen would not be a crime.

Or that was the plan because, suddenly!!, there's a dog in her lap.

She has no idea what's happening or whose dog this is or where it came from.

Help.