Thomas abandoned all pretense of finding her a drink or something to comfort. Nothing was going to comfort, and he accepted that. His distress more visible than anyone who knew him might expect, he righted himself in the chair and faced her fully. He leaned over the edge of the table forward, putting himself into the conversation as completely as possible.
"I wouldn't have put you in that position. I won't. I wouldn't ask you to make that kind of choice." He gave a very, very slight smile of detectable affection. "You are too honorable, and you would be miserable for twenty-four hours as you thought it over, and then you would have decided to remain loyal, in the end."
Thomas ran his fingertips over his scarred knuckles, bowing his head slightly as the tremor of her power moved past him. He made no attempt to impede it. "I knew the choice would have been more cruel for you. This is... not your fault. I made it for you. It was... necessary."