[ The closeness was an invitation that Aymeric took: he leaned in, buried his face in Cain's hair for as long as he dared to indulge himself, a few seconds — and looked up again, at the road. ]

"Exploit."

[ There was sardonic humor in his voice, even as low as it was — but exploit was the word, it was true. Of course he had. Never with malice, and only when it was needed, but the principle was the same. ]

But I am...gratified that you understand, I truly am. When you spoke of hard decisions, I thought perhaps you might not, for a moment — as if I were already beyond hope.