[ fortunately, Lupin's as steadfast and confident in this matter as Cairngorm is uncertain and shy, and sensitive to the fact that they're feeling that way, to boot. Sometimes it means he should pull away and give them space. Other times, like now, it means he should stay the course. They shift, but he doesn't, keeping his arm snug around them. It's already going numb; he ignores that. The fire will warm it back up soon enough. ]

Good.

[ he was planning on going around the palace and making a mental map of it so he could determine where to investigate first, looking for his friends along the way. This is derailing his plans significantly. But if past events are anything to go by, he'll have plenty of time. As far as he's concerned, Cairngorm deserves his attention more at the moment. He sighs quietly, his breath ruffling their hair a little at their close distance. ]

We're really in a pickle this time, huh... [ the whole kidnapping thing was bad enough on its own. ] I'll figure out some way to turn you back to normal. Until then, you can have the privilege of using Arsène Lupin as your personal heater to your heart's content.