"Cora," Arthur called her name.
She said nothing in response. Just held him tighter. Her face pressed against his back between his shoulder blades.
Her breathing was slow and measured but he could feel the emotion in it.
They stood like that for a long moment. Neither speaking. Just together in the peaceful silence of the inner world.
Finally, Cora spoke. Her voice was muffled slightly against his back but clear enough to hear. "Thank you."
"For what?" Arthur asked.
"For agreeing to help," Cora replied softly. "For not turning Lady Ayara away. For... everything."
Arthur's expression softened. "You don't need to thank me for that. I gave my word. I keep my promises."
"I know," Cora said. "That's one of the things I respect most about you."
Another pause. Then Cora continued speaking. Her voice was quieter now. More vulnerable than Arthur had ever heard it.
"I need to tell you something," she said. "Something important."
