Her features softened at his demeanour. Vulnerability had turned him into a different person. Her usual curiosity made room for empathy - an old and sometimes hated friend. This was not a side of him she had ever seen before.
When his brother was mentioned, she wanted to press the matter of his family. She wanted to know more about them. They seemed a shadow in his life. But putting pressure on him, pushing him into a corner - it was not wise.
"Hence the protection..." Her fingers lingered over the sceptre that rested against her leg. "Frankly, I understand hatred for him better than fondness. Unless it involves the family. But families are complicated, aren't they? And you seem to have... two?" It was an open invitation and she hoped he would accept.
(OOC: Haha! How I know that but I like long ones, they give a thread atmosphere :D)