He stroked her cheek, ignoring her flinching. "Oh, I don’t," he agreed. "But you did make it possible. I am willing to offer you my gratitude, and, following your orientation and debriefing, perhaps even a place of importance. You are a witch of significant power, and this government rewards intelligence and magical power." He sat down in a chair opposite her and pressed his palms together beneath his chin, staring at her thoughtfully.