The Final Wrestle - Part 3

A hand from Oliver halted the attempt. "You have already given far too much," Oliver said, fighting to keep the sadness out of his voice, and failing. "Rest a while."

She understood what he was asking, and she fought it even harder, freeing herself from the arm that supported her. In doing so, she only made the state of her wounds all the more obvious. She staggered.

"What will Amelia and Pauline say when they see how I've left you?" Oliver said.

"You can not choose this moment to see me as a woman, just when it conveniences you," Blackthorn said. "You treat me as casually as everyone else before then – and now you dare to look at me with pity? I will not accept it, Ser Patrick. If you attempt to take responsibility for all that has happened to me, you reduce me, and I will not have it. You're far too arrogant in doing so."