[ Can't you?

It is too forward, to say it this way. It shows in the lift of his eyes all the same, a matching steadiness in the way he holds her gaze. Leander hadn't said much; it does not take much, to guess at a thing mirrored. ]

I ought not to have given up.

[ Let the blade slide between his ribs. Balked from her assistance, even for a moment. ]

I could have put you in further danger, and that is unacceptable to me. That, at least, I would ask your forgiveness for.