Her brows knit again. Her hands flutter over her dress. "I understand," Wen Qing says, her voice a little quieter and softer, guard a little lowered to match his honesty, "and I appreciate your thoughtfulness." She purses her lips. "I understand you had to leave."

But it hurts. Being a Wen has cost her so much she should be used to it by now but your very presence causing pain to others is not something you can grow numb to, or if you can, then it's a skill she lacks.

She smiles a little sadly. "I would have wished for a different ending, too."