[Tricks.

A single word, and yet the harsh disgust with which it is spoken is ice in his veins. His expression flickers, his brow furrowed, and for all he wishes to try to be stoic, to not let himself be so overwrought by the storm of emotions brought on by this unexpected reunion, he cannot resist, and his gaze darkens.

He had always hoped that even in all those years apart, Godfrey would remember that what they had was real, even if he remained rightfully furious. Gale's orders had been to make him doubt, but once he had actually met the man himself— it not only seemed an impossible task, but became one he did not wish to carry out. Their entanglement had never been part of anyone else's plan, any scheming.

That had all been him, and it had been selfish.

He clenches his jaw, steeling himself, his eyes do not match the hard lines of his face. They were soft, as they had always been, almost pleading in nature despite the fact that he was the one who currently sat unbound.]

Good.

[His voice is low in a different sort of way, thick with something he is trying desperately to hold back.]

You're going to need that power. If you're to get out of this place, you'll need every bit of strength you can muster. I am the least of your worries, Godfrey.

[That last bit is softer than he had meant for it to be, the ache in his chest persisting.]

I want you to be able to leave here alive. I did love you— I will not see my kin destroy you here.