He looked to her for another long moment, at once grateful for, and loathing those eyes of his family. Secrets were not something he was to be permitted, it seemed. Instead, he scooted back slightly, shifted on his knees, and bowed, pressing his forehead to the ground. Something he had not been able to ask for then, and still could not truly do so now.

"I only ask that you forgive me. That is all."