[ Her hand drops, a frustrated groan following after it as much for the loss of the friction as the words that follow it, but at least he checks whatever sharp words sit on his tongue immediately. He drags in a breath to gain some distance, hazards better chosen ones when he finds them. ]

When have I been anything other than cruel. Did you think a ceremony was going to make me anything other than what I am?

[ Why would she choose him, that's the part he's having trouble getting past. He understands going along because there's no better option, but she seems to want it, past obligation, and that he doesn't understand. ]