[ It’s easier to half-scoff, half-laugh at his commentary than to face the sincerity of his apology. For so long, all she wanted was for someone, anyone to say those words. Now, they slip between her ribs, rending open old wounds.
A tender age, as if he can even remember it. As if anyone knows what she herself was like. A lady of the court, despite her youth. Standing tall, even as she shook. She blinks away the emotion that his kindness engenders and focuses instead on adjusting their bound hands, settling into a more traditional hold. For the ease of it, she tells herself. ]
It was a lifetime ago. [ For her. For anyone in Westeros, really, who wasn’t mired in it. Her children are grown now. She averts her gaze until Astarion speaks again, winning her back with a confession of his own. ]
You didn’t wish to be turned.
[ said slowly, carefully, without the inflection of a question, so she might guard him against the rules of the game. Daniel wanted for it, despite his fears. He seems — stronger, brighter, better. ]
no subject
A tender age, as if he can even remember it. As if anyone knows what she herself was like. A lady of the court, despite her youth. Standing tall, even as she shook. She blinks away the emotion that his kindness engenders and focuses instead on adjusting their bound hands, settling into a more traditional hold. For the ease of it, she tells herself. ]
It was a lifetime ago. [ For her. For anyone in Westeros, really, who wasn’t mired in it. Her children are grown now. She averts her gaze until Astarion speaks again, winning her back with a confession of his own. ]
You didn’t wish to be turned.
[ said slowly, carefully, without the inflection of a question, so she might guard him against the rules of the game. Daniel wanted for it, despite his fears. He seems — stronger, brighter, better. ]