[ There’s a space between seconds when her late, light hold on his hand feels like being put in his place. But he has a knack for knowing when things aren’t about him, maybe even takes it to a fault sometimes, so the feeling can’t settle and disappears the next moment. She’s hurt. She’s doing a hard thing because she believes it’s right for someone else, and she’s holding herself together.
He curls his hand to squeeze hers tighter for the both of them.
He could say yes. It’d be an easy promise to make and break as necessary, without witnesses or fallout. ]
I can’t promise.
[ Her mask is, if not off, at least askew, and he knows she has the strength to have avoided that. So: a return favor, however much saying this matters to me is an Orlesian invitation to destroy it. ]
It means a lot to me to have his trust, you know. [ And Byerly is already cross with Athessa for meddling. ] But I’ll do what I can for both of you.
no subject
He curls his hand to squeeze hers tighter for the both of them.
He could say yes. It’d be an easy promise to make and break as necessary, without witnesses or fallout. ]
I can’t promise.
[ Her mask is, if not off, at least askew, and he knows she has the strength to have avoided that. So: a return favor, however much saying this matters to me is an Orlesian invitation to destroy it. ]
It means a lot to me to have his trust, you know. [ And Byerly is already cross with Athessa for meddling. ] But I’ll do what I can for both of you.