[ A frustrated kind of growl lodges in his throat at that; she's far too naive for this, she doesn't know what she's asking. But what's done is done, for better or worse, so he tugs his boots free before undoing his belt and loosening the ties at the front of his trousers, and with the rest discarded he's left just as naked as she. ]

I said I'd protect you and I meant it. Doesn't mean I'll make a good husband, whether or not I try. That's not me being cruel, it's me being honest.

[ He doesn't even bother getting into love. She's too good a person to be saddled with that curse, for him of all people. ]