Moonspear It feels like one of those nights

She takes it better than he had expected. Perhaps he simply lacks empathy--not altogether a surprise, really. But she tears up, and embraces him, and it makes him wonder if she weeps for his family, or just for him. Something stirs within him at her touch, and he stiffens, then relaxes, unsure of what to do, of what to say.

It is not unimaginable, Llewellyn says gruffly, after a long moment of silence. She copes with tears, he with teeth. We put down his father's rebellion, some seasons ago. Killed them all, except Ioan, who was just a boy. We erred in keeping him alive. He only did to us what we had done to him. For the first time, he sees some merit in Ioan's revenge. Still, he shoves it down; to find common ground with the enemy is the first stumble toward capitulation, and he will never yield.

His eyes are hollow but kind as he stares at her, marveling at her forgiveness. Thank you for understanding, the prince murmurs. Now that you are here, you can know my true self. Anything you ask, I will tell you true. That is a promise, Speedy. Strangers would not have his secrets, but he would gladly cut his heart open and lay it upon the ground for his newfound family to examine.

He had done the same, in Mynydd.