It was not the boldest of choices, but Hild could not fault him openly for being a coward. Not when she knew sometimes to cower, to stand by, to stay silent to get what she wanted. What she did not want at all but what was needed. But his dissatisfaction was so clear that she worried for him. It was not unhappiness, but the conversation would be easier if there were less worry and more freedom.

"Do you fear the loss of him," Hild said, "if you ask if a thing makes him mad?"