[This place was doing neither of them any favours so far, but he disliked seeing her in such distress. It reminded him of all the people that had walked out on her (so he thought) or died along the way. Her sensitivity to being abandoned was something that he had dealt with for many years, and now he could admit that he capitalized on now and again for his own selfishness. She was the only one he thought he could be open with. Seeing her back like this reminded him that, despite being eighteen, she was still his daughter that needed him.

It felt good. It shouldn't, but it did. He was allowed such selfishness now and again, wasn't he?

His touch remained around her wrist even as her head lifted. He met her gaze with his own mismatched one, regarding her pink eyes that spoke of some of her hardship few knew about. He issued a low humming noise at her apology. He gave a little tug to see if she would sit up completely from her bed of leaves.]

There is nothing to apologize for. My sentencing would have come either that day or another soon after. [His thumb stroked the inside of her wrist.] It was a good reminder that there will never be peace. The first move is done; I'll finish this charade very soon.