[ He smiles, wry, even though she's not looking at him directly to see the expression. ]

Just take the adulation in the spirit it's given, seba-rekhet.

[ He has no ability for mind-reading, but Raine's words and her anger mark a fairly clear trail as to her thoughts-- and for that much, he does feel regret. He realizes the last week has been something of a perfect storm leading to an outcome she likely feared, but had presumed. Her quiet words seem only to confirm it. ]

I know.

[ He deserved that. The pressure against her back lifts, hesitates, and resettles against her hair near the base of her neck. ]

I am sorry, for making you assume the worst. I know I just told you that my word doesn't mean much, but I don't intend-- I'm not looking for a way out, okay?