[ His hand slides onto her neck, back into her hair. His head tilts. That's a strange turn of phrase, and he's not sure where it comes from. It doesn't particularly sound like her.

But it makes his lips tick upwards, all the same. He shakes his head. ]

I'm your prince.

And you are someone who has given more for your country than I have any right to ask.

I'm so sorry.

[ The smile, such as it was, has vanished now. He leans forward, touching his forehead to hers. ]

You should have let me do it. You should have let me do the killing, and you wouldn't feel like this now.