Cromwell didn't say anything for a few moments, simply standing there and continuing to glower at her. Did she really track him down just because she wasn't happy at home? That could not be the only reason, but there was no reason that would make him regret how to handle this moving forward. She was an intruder, and a tangential threat. Nothing more. Being away from her for eighteen years, left in that festering pool of rot and corruption that was the capital was not something that Cromwell wanted to risk.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">"You left your cushioned, well off life in the castle, simply because you could not face the duties of royalty,"</span>Cromwell said, his voice harsh and incredulous. He was still in a ready stance, albeit slightly relaxed. He was not going to let her any closer if she tried to move to do so.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">"While I applaud you for attempting to fight against the machinations of the capital, I am not surprised to see that you are still the simple girl that does not understand the simplest of political maneuvers."</span><br/><br/>Cromwell takes a few steps back at this point, halfway turning away from her on the last step.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">"Of course your father would change as you aged. While you may not have matured out of the coddling phase, those around you do. No matter what your father and friends may say, the world is not your oyster to do with as you wish. Now run home and have Velatha wipe wasted tears from your eyes,"</span>Cromwell said, quasi-scorn seeping out of every word. With that, he fully turned away from her and walked back towards his scabbard, picking it up. Her final comment, however, was nagging at him and he wouldn't think clearly for the next few days if he did not answer it now and be done with it.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">"I ran because I slew Lord Ki'tev Valen, girl. If you are like your father and approve of kidnapping and slave brothels, I am sure you can see why my bounty spiked. I wouldn't have been surprised if he would have been your groom if he had lived to this point."</span><br/><br/>With that, Cromwell slid his sword into his scabbard and began to place the daggers back into their sheathes as he began to walk away.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">"You can leave the horse though. We'll need to leave a good impression on the next town." </span>Cromwell called back callously.