Soren watched Ethea closely, sensing the storm of dark emotions brewing just under her quiet exterior. An urge to reach out and comfort her stirred in his chest, but with the bowl and spoon still in hand, he was forced to hold back.
"...Ethea," he called out softly, holding out another spoon toward her. "Here."
"..." As she leaned forward, he spoke the rest directly into her mind, letting his thoughts carry a steady warmth.
'Ethea, you do not have to feel guilty about protecting your family, nor should you keep blaming yourself for my involvement. As you said, our reasons were nearly identical. I agreed to this marriage to save my sister, and you accepted it to shield your mother and little brother. So there is no reason for you to carry all the fault alone.'
He paused, letting his gaze hold hers.
'I do not regret my choice for a second. In fact, I am genuinely glad that I married you. What about you? Do you regret marrying me?'
