"Nor do I." That's not hollow affirmation. A more objective look at what happened, a dash of grounded perspective, does make the lapses in judgement look expected. That they came away relatively unscathed in a physical sense is the surprise. "If anything, I find it a blessing there were not more, or more severe. I've not heard of ours lost." There might have been casualties to the fighting or temptations but they've not been brought to his attention yet.

Aleron doesn't even bother asking Malcolm why he didn't tell him sooner. He's doing it now. And he understands all too well why he wouldn't. The same reasons why he hasn't broached the topic. There is shame in abundance, disappointment in self, fear of being judged.

Eating seems a good way to fill the awkward silences that come from brooding on the experience. Asking how Malcolm is feeling about it feels trite in light of his own temptation, but there is something he can broach. "Does Cassandra know?"

He won't breathe a word to her if Malcolm would prefer she not know, but Aleron would quite prefer not to accidentally share in passing.