[ His actions are limited because of the chains still binding him, but his eyes watch her every move, looking for every change in expression, every hint of what she is thinking, even if it is a barely perceptible difference.

Here is where his desires and Thordan's seem to differ, because what he wants more than anything is to have her at his side, because she is useful and a strong healer, but also because he envisions that she could be a better ally than most, if not the best one he could choose. And while he still refuses to allow anything but serving King Thordan and Ishgard to get in the way, there is a small part of him that still longs for her closeness and the love she has given him, and for the chance to return that love.

But no sooner does he begin to have those thoughts than Thordan begins taking him to task, telling him that it is impossible for him to serve both Ishgard and maintain the love he has for her.

The internal conflict shows itself on his face in spite of his efforts to appear cold and impassive. ]

Is it so difficult for you to imagine that I could? I could find that satisfaction, and could see you as that person. [ But since she has raised the question that is at the crux of the matter, he adds: ] Would you still seek to slay him, knowing what that means to me?