Do you think I would have ever left you by choice?

[Never. Not even for a moment. He takes in the reappearing scars, watches Ardyn like he itches to pounce and hold him close.]

I went to sleep at your side and woke up here, as though nothing had changed except for me. Ardyn, you - you know the depths of my loyalty, when I decide to give it.

[Down to the very ashes. This Ardyn, at least, knows in full the origin of those scars.]