I understand that. [ she's not being obtuse this time; what percy is insinuating to her, is that eliminating her may not result in jedao's mutual end. it's a sobering thought, but she knows her value to the hexarchate pales in comparison to a general who has never lost. she has value, she has faith in her service, but of the two of them -- it's jedao who the hexarchate would work tirelessly to reclaim. ] It's all right, de Rolo.

[ it's not, jedao lets her know in the way he points out the way the bridge of percy's nose trembles, the thinning of his lips -- baring his teeth in a way that would be acceptable in most societies. her own mouth tightens, lower lip pressed up in the same way her chin rises. admiration. it warms her, but for a brief moment.

and then she remembers: ] His soldiers admired him, too. It did not stop him from slaughtering them alongside his enemies, in his madness. I would hope that it does not come to this, I would hope you would not have to do this thing and bear this weight. But if it does, you must not spare either of us -- not even for a chance. My first order of business is to turn this gun on him. Then, to turn it on myself. You are the third, in this line of defense.

Thank you, for caring this much about me, in so short a time -- but you must value the safety of COST over my life and that of Jedao's. We both want this.