[ As far as he is concerned, she does not have to ask for his protection as it is hers by rights. It goes without saying that he intends to protect her to the best of his ability, but he will say it too, because perhaps she needs to hear it. ]

Perhaps... [ And this is hard for him to admit, but he presses on regardless. ] Perhaps this was intended to happen, and thus could not have been forestalled by anyone, not even- Not even you. [ His voice falters at this admission, but he does not wish for her to feel badly about it. ]

Good. I- I must admit that I can scarcely imagine no longer having you here, although it has not been very long at all. I realize how that sounds, that I may very well seem foolish for feeling that way so soon. [ Especially since it was not all that long ago that he was hiding himself from her. ]

Should you leave for any reason, I rather think that I would follow after you.

[ And with that thought in mind, he pulls her in even closer, one hand moving to rest in her hair, where he begins to give small but reassuring strokes. And given her present state, he wonders if they ought not forgo their other plans and simply move to sleeping. She might benefit from it, at least. ]

If I might make a suggestion...?