Her throat hurts abominably.

"If you don't wish to," she manages to say, "I won't press you to. But ..."

(Gods, look at her. She's supposed to be his liege lady, and whatever made her or anyone else think that she could handle that responsibility? That anyone could ever rely on her? Too weak, too selfish, too young --)

"... but if it will help you. To say it. Then please."

Please let me help.