He was unable to respond much in kind to her embrace. Still, that warmth of his was a constant she could take some comfort in. His focus went mostly to ensuring he didn’t stumble, but he did have one arm free to ease up about her, mindful of both their bruises, hand gathering at the nape of her neck. Then all at once she was pulling away again, and he didn’t have it in him to fight her, even if the urge was there.
“You should be resting as well, Your Grace.” He did not know this new guard of hers as he had the others, and she knew well enough to realize he would watch what he said in front of anyone who was new to him. If she had not initiated that embrace, he would not have, but even that could be explained readily enough. They were childhood friends, after all.