[he frowns, but his mouth is full, so he waits to swallow the rest of it before he replies.]

Not allowed to fight? Hmph. So they just intended to find you a husband with no way to defend yourself. I suppose it's not that uncommon.

[casually, he turns to her, putting a hand on her shoulder]

But you need to think for yourself, and not just blindly follow rules.

[he blinks—and snatches his hand off of her, as if scalded. what was he doing? he places his hands flat on the table, as if centering himself.

maybe he should just hold her hand instead??]