It makes him the weaker tether, then, for nearly breaking the very same demands he made of her (yet is that not his right? He has lived in Archades for longer, learned much of the intricacies of etiquette and nuance, even if he cannot always apply that knowledge cleanly— is he not allowed to then be more lax at times, trusting that he can counterbalance if necessary).

“It is not trust.” It is, she has the right of it, but he refuses that logic in much the same way that he refuses to move. To withdraw from her side like the intrusion he is.

“I wish to remain, for myself. For mine own comfort.”