She couldn't look at him when she spoke, when she said it wasn't because he told her to? Did that mean he did yet control her? People had said it, and part of him had ignored it because it had always been that way. Because she'd always done what he'd said without fail, without question. She was happy here, with him, doing his bidding because perhaps she agreed with what he asked of her.
He ran a hand along her cheek, softer than they were used to of course but he was worried about how this was impacting on her, on his Tahiri.
"I won't lie to you, I miss them, Allana, I don't know if I'll get to see her grow up. I don't know if she'll come back. But that aside, yes I'm content. Having you here, it helps. You've always helped and I want you to know that. Its not just because you're my apprentice, its not because you agree with me, its having you here, being around you. It means a great deal to me Tahiri."
He tilted her chin up toward him. "Now look at me, since when do you fear looking me in the eye."