She hesitates, unsure what to say; what even are the words

"She is my cavalier; my sworn sword. When we began this journey, it was an act, to hide the threadbare House of the Ninth."

"But we have told each other the truth, and it is... real, now. One flesh, one end."

She flames beneath the paint. "She is... dear to me. And if she will give of herself without stinting, I must ensure she is given her due, if she won't."