I risked losing her.

For Pride.

Then I came to my senses for maybe the first time…

I grew up being a bastard. I’ll always be a bastard at the core. I might get farther. Maybe not. However, I will always have the bastard foundation.

I am not going to mix with Royals or Aristocrats or High Status individuals. Really, why would I? Why should anyone really?

The benefits of being a bastard arrive later in life. Long after, they’ve exposed their souls. Long after, they’ve stopped speaking freely around me as if I was invisible or didn’t exist.

No, I will not lose you, Lê. You be free to be you. I will accept you for all you are. It is a joy and a privilege to be around such freedom!