She tilts back and he tucks his chin to look her over, damp, suffering, and partially-plaited. Looking directly at her as she apologizes proves to be very difficult. It’s fine. Of course. He nods, uneven, dismissing the need.

“Unbecoming for him to have left a job half-finished.” His heart squeezes behind his breastbone on a delay after he’s said so, unexpected enough to pinch at his throat before it reaches his brow.

He misses a beat.

“Shall I summon ser Loxley to whisk you away?”