Redsand Canyon When I first saw you, the end was soon

The legatus was momentarily stunned. He stared down at where she nuzzled into him, a pained look on his face. Did she not know how important she was to him? Maybe he wasn't making it as clear as he thought he was. Aquene, I could never hate you, he told her, his voice a little more stern than he had meant it to be. He was hurt by her words but he also understood her fears completely. And no one else would hate you; if something did happen to the matrona it would not be your fault. His jaw tightened. Even so, we all know that you do everything in your power to help. No one would blame you. He wanted to shake her and pull her into a tight embrace at the same time. 

You do not see yourself clearly, he added after a moment, shaking his head.