[ If only he could put into words everything that he feels and everything he wishes he could tell her in hopes that it would bring her some measure of ease and comfort. Not for the first time, he feels woefully ill-equipped for this, and yet his heart desperately wishes to ease away everything that hurts her. ]

Did you not tell me once that beneath all of my titles and responsibilities, I am still very much a man? You, Lantaa, are an extraordinary woman, and yet beneath all those titles and all your honors, you are still a woman, a person with needs and hurts that need to be soothed and comforted.

[ And if she is broken, then he must do what he can to help her pick up the pieces once more. After all, she has done so for him more than once. ]

And you will never have to, for I am resolved to remain by your side always. [ Or for as long as she will have him. His hold on her cannot be any firmer yet still gentle than it already is, but he wishes to just reinforce the idea that she is safe and protected and not alone. He tilts his head downwards so that his chin might lightly rest against the top of her head. ]

If there is anything more that you need, or anything that I might do for you, you only have to name it. [ He already considers himself at her disposal, and he wants to make that clear now in case there was any doubt. ]