"If you trust me. Alternatively, we break the stones enough to widen the opening." Which would take time, in the oppressive heat.

His face flushes (not from the heat) at her words. "I would do nothing to dishonor you." Or himself. He had suffered enough in that regard.

He knelt next to her, wrapping both of her ankles in one hand. "You will have to tell me if I am squeezing too hard."