Look, [he totally senses her apprehension] I'm trying to- I want to make this as easy and painless as possible. I don't... I don't want you to get hurt. As much as you are an expert on your element, nobody in this city knows as much about this method of summoning as I do. In order for me to feel like you can safely be there, you have to agree that you'll listen to me.

[His previous anger forgotten, Nathaniel is almost- pleading now.]

I can protect you to the fullest extent of my abilities if you do. Anything that harms you would have to go through me first.

[Nathaniel's eyes lower for a moment, and he reaches out, as if to touch her cheek, but loses his nerve halfway through, and merely brushes his fingers along her shoulder.]

-and I want it to be that way. Those are my conditions.