Sun Mote Copse if heaven's grief brings hell's rain

No one? The ex-soldier's voice rose, sharp for a moment, but his next words were more forgiving. Then why torture yourself, princess?
Nathaniel took a step forward instinctively, though no aggression showed in his posture or expression. He studied her for a moment, as if he might read her thoughts if he memorized her face well enough. Part of him was rapidly beginning to become irritated-- but he didn't want her to go away anymore, he wanted to make sure she wasn't going to do anything stupid. Even if that meant he wasn't going to get his alone time.
It didn't really matter to Nat whether she wanted him to help her or not-- nor could he find it in himself to care that it was definitely a strange reaction.