He was braced for it this time, so he doesn't blanch or retort out of hand. This doesn't need to be attack and defence, it can be an opportunity.

Instead, his expression goes distant and tender.

"We train in the mornings. That used to mean I trained and he curled up in the sun or hung off my arm, but now that he's older he has his own routine. I asked our captain to take care of that, until I'm back."