[ Fear is a natural response; he's had it trained out of him, but he doesn't regard that as the norm. She's been imprisoned, branded, and left completely in the dark—of course she would be afraid.

So he'll stay with her. That isn't a problem. But even as she squeezes his hand, he shakes his head. ]

No. [ He says this firmly, a princely edge of authority sneaking out. ] I want your safety, not your loyalty.

[ He won't claim to be a saint; of course betrayal stings, and when he was younger, it would outright burn. But fealty comes at a cost he never wants to pay. She could use him as a weapon, a shield, a distraction—whatever it takes, and he wouldn't flinch.

Then, more quietly, ]

...Even if you are fine with being punished, understand that I am not. If you do, then I will help you escape this place.

[ For all he cares for the risk, they could leave right this instant. ]