Hardulf arrived at the manor directly from the mess hall. He debated whether to murder Tempest during his night patrol or to go straight to his objective, confessing all to Agatha. The five pints of beer he consumed forced him to pick the latter.
The argument that won inside his hazy mind was simple. A wolf could never replace a real flesh and blood man. Hardulf recognized Agatha's desire for a male by her side. After Drake left, he gave her time, and now he was confident that his relationship with her was over. Hardulf was sure she had needs exactly like him.
When she referred to him as her peer, he realized that this was his chance. They were on an equal footing. No other female could ever compete with her beauty and strength. No other woman could be a good match for him. He just needed to make her see it too.
Hardulf had convinced himself that she couldn't possibly deny him. And now that he had finally admitted his feelings...