"I'm sorry!" Benedict gasps the instant the thing is done, realizing in that split-second that it was a step too far-- and then he's shoved hard against the tree, the force of it causing him to sink down to a seated position with a little wheeze.

He remains there, horrorstruck and pinned to the spot, watching Gabranth and slowly comprehending how badly he just fucked up.

"Sorry," he says again, so quietly that it's almost to himself.