"I understand if you can't talk about it yet. You can take all the time you want," Drystan assured, and Ercilia smiled.
She catches his hands between her own and squeezes them, making him smile back at her. Then, with absolute determination in her eyes, she regards him in all seriousness.
"I love you so much, Drystan," she said out of nowhere, making him flush a bit. "I'll do anything for your sake. I want to protect you and everyone. I will not be a burden to you. I will not drag you down. I promise I will also do what you want me to once you-"
Ercilia cuts herself off just in time. She can't say out loud that she's even willing to sacrifice her own happiness for his. That might upset Drystan. It will make him think that everything he did for her so far is not enough to convince her that she's all he needs.
She bites her lip at the silence that stretches between them.
"I want to protect you, is all," she muttered, lowering her head.
