The Sentinels shillelagh

With Larkspur's message delivered, Starbuck felt a weight lift from her, replaced by satisfaction. Her task was complete, and she saw that though it brought sorrow to Deirdre, the sorrow was mingled with love and joy. 

You have put me through nothing, she said softly, sweetly. I expected your ire, and indeed I expected it. I worked against your wishes, though I believed, and still believe, that I did what was best for dear Larkspur. She is home now. She is among her family, where I hope she is happy. And oh, did she hope she had done the right thing! But surely Larkspur would be happy. How could she not? She was among those who loved her.

Finally she spoke the truth of that night, and indeed of all that had transpired with Larkspur and, most importantly, Skellige. I do not trust Skellige, she said. Not only for his sins against Larkspur and her father. But not for the way he spoke to me, which I can understand given his stress at the time. I met with one of his followers and found her more than agreeable, but she gave me grave warnings against him. She felt he was dangerous enough that she promised me her protection from him. Starbuck paused, then finally asked what had been weighing on her mind since the beginning of this. Why do you love him so?