He cannot sustain the game for long; even dry humor strains his own long-forged restrictions, and where his mouth flexes faintly it does eventually recede into something more controlled. More appropriate for a Judge, even in isolated spaces, with his fingers snared across her own and weighted with thick leather.

Perhaps in time these defenses too will fade, but for now they leave only fresh footprints in untouched snow. Every step is new. A risk, broached with care.

Or at the very least, that is how he sees it.

“I believe those reports to be unsubstantiated.” He would see her behave, is what he means, even if he knows she longs for coarser freedoms. “But I will continue to monitor your recovery regardless. Just in case.”

A pause, before:

“I shall also refrain from informing Emperor Gramis of your status until you are fully prepared to face him.” To avoid any shame of perceived weakness, to afford her time to seem infallible, even in the wake of her fall.