Ahir bristled; there Seregil went, using his name again. As if he had leave to do so in the first place. If Ilban could hear this man speaking to him like this--

Ilban isn't here. Ahir had to remind himself of that, and the notion became clearer with each passing moment.

Ahir sighed and let his arms drop, lowering himself to sit at the edge of the bed recess. He wouldn't meet Seregil's eyes any longer. Couldn't. All he'd find there was pity, and Ahir didn't need it.

"I know. But some people aren't given the choice."