"Good point." He's stronger than most people, but not all people here, and if Karen got enough help...? He'd be in trouble.

"OK, I'll come here before the ball, tell her I'm her escort and be friendly." He feels a little nervous now and it honestly shows. This is way more unpredictable and honestly high-stakes than he was prepared for. "I can do that.

"And you won't be able to take control at all?" He manages, by some miracle, not to sound pleading.