[She longs to embrace him, give solace in a friendly hug to ease the despair though they were never quite that affectionate back home. But the box in her hands makes her hold her ground, not wanting it anywhere near him lest he wrench it from her hands. Instead she gives him a warm smile from across the room, pleased to see the tension ease from his hands, and hopes she will see him more relaxed in the future.]

There is no shame in this, Cullen. Calling for reinforcements when needed in the heat of battle is the proper strategy, is it not? [Her smile lifts with a slightly playful lilt. See? She listened during those war table arguments.] I am here for you, Cullen, whenever you need it. You being free of this yoke is one of my highest priorities.