[He watched her bow clinically for a moment, studying the relationship between her feelings and her expressions with quiet interest. After a moment, his expression softened from one of absorbed majesty to something more gracious and warm. He dismissed his cloak of shadows with a flick of his hands; as they dissipated and ran back to their natural surroundings, he crouched down to take her hands and lift her gently to her feet.] I may be your sire, my dear, but our relationship is more than that. You've no need to kneel before me.

[He dropped one of her hands to bring his palm flat against her cheek.] Now, tell me. [Though quiet and relaxed, his words are yet unquestionably an order.] What's troubling you?