The man admired her for a moment longer before putting her down. He could certainly not disobey her wish, but he did not fear she would 'take it back.' Words could not so simply be returned--unless you were like Rhysand, gifted with powers of the mind. Andras, however, was not and would not dare risk her changing her mind.
"You don't know how happy I am to hear you say that," he told her in a sincere, quiet voice once she was back on her feet. "I--had not expected you to return the sentiment. I was prepared for it." He smiled warmly.