[ Already, he feels an ache for want of her touch, however much it lacks in warmth. It is a sentiment that matters more to him, anyway, even if he senses not so much concern as he does curiosity over her focus on his mark.

It doesn’t matter. He can’t think any less of her for that, not when he longs for even a shadow of that touch once more. ]

Oh, my lady, if only I can do more for you than that. [ But it’s useless when he doesn’t have more than the most basic understanding of magic. If Merlin were here…but perhaps some thoughts are best left unspoken. ]

To think that I have so arrogantly believed that I could help you with any trouble that might come your way…