[ tilts her head into that soft touch. ]

… I’m happy you didn’t. That you’re here. With me.

You’ve done a better job of protecting me than you think.

[ she pauses for a long moment, considering him. considering telling him the truth.

he’s never given her reason not to trust him. ]

… I don’t think … anyone has ever … looked after me, the way you do.

[ her voice dips into softness. ]

And I’ve started to discover… that’s more valuable to me than any gold could ever be.