She wants to stop this. She doesn't want to say these things. She wants to comfort him and tell him it's all right and that things will work out for the best for both of them. But it won't get better, not in the way they might want. He can't choose her and she'll never be able to convince his family she's worthy.

This childish dream she had is over.

"You don't have to say anything, because we both know I'm right." He can deny it all he wants, but it's true. According to his family, he deserves more. And he'll get it, because that's how families like his work. "My feelings don't matter and you don't have a choice. That I let myself have these feelings for you... Fuck, I never should have..." A beat and she shakes her head. "Any time I ever try anything I fuck it up."

She pushes herself to her feet suddenly and paces the room slowly, her footsteps not making any sound despite her heavy boots. It's a habit for her to stay silent as she paces like this, to make herself as unnoticeable as possible. "I should never have said anything, Viatorus, and I'm so sorry I ever did."