[ Miles keeps his gaze firm even as he quails inside. Is this a good idea? Has he insulted Bothari? But there's no good way to explain their relationship, even if he does claim the man as a mercenary bodyguard. This ... is complicated too, but ... ]

It's been thirteen years since I've seen you. Fiercely overprotective, because I had relatives who would have killed me if they could. [ All true so far. ] It fits, doesn't it? If you can't be my armsman ...