Dragoncrest Cliffs Romance never goes unpunished

She glances over to Blixen as the decision falls upon her. She had tried not to think about what might happen either way the commander chose, that it surprises her a bit that she is on the spotlight. Her jaw tightens and she turns back to her son, avoiding any look from Eastwood while she tries to settle on something.
 
Everything she has been taught conflicts what she wants. She should be able to turn her son out on his mistake. He’s old enough to care for himself, smart enough to make his way, but his quiet question touches her ears enough to sway only slightly.
 
“It better not, branwoda,” she says, firmly enough so her decision is understood.