[ When she asks him about his progress, the hand that's holding his pen tightens around it momentarily before he lets out a long sigh and places it down on the desk. ]

Nothing that will prove useful. [ He looks down again at what he has written on the page and shakes his head. The time he spent putting thoughts on paper seems to have been for nothing, because of his own lack of focus. ]

But never mind; is there anything else that you might need? [ He notes the borrowed shirt and robe that she is wearing, and he nods his approval. Clearly his staff have done their best to ensure that Alkaid has what she needs, starting with the bath and ending with the clothes, but if there is anything further they can do, he wants to hear of it. And there is still the matter of ensuring that she is well-fed. ]

Are you warm enough? [ He can't help but think back on how long they stood out in the cold; he might have been there longer than her, but he still worries about her well-being nonetheless. ]