Her response to his words pleased him. He had always been able to tell a great deal about a person based on how they reacted to different scenarios. This woman was not familiar with cruelty. At least not directly. She allowed the child to stay. He smiled just slightly, and nodded his head. His eyes rolled up to the limit of his range, looking at the child who still stood by his bed side looking awed and excited.<br/><br/>"Dear child..." he chuckled, "You mustn't allow yourself to be fooled by what you hear. I am merely a man, like any other. I do what I am able to do, when I am able to do it...." he grunted in pain, flexing and twisting until he was partially on one shoulder, trying to face her. This, it turned out, was a bad idea. His ribs ached and he would have sworn they had cracked.<br/><br/>The breath tore from him in a gasp of pain and he forgot what he'd been about to say. He couldn't seem to push hard enough to get himself rolled over, what with the many breaks to his bones. He gasped a few ragged breaths, trying to master the pain, then finally croaked, "M-...milady. I find myself unable to..." he hissed, tensing, "Would that you could find it in your hear to help me sit up... I wish to view the child and thyself squarely."<br/><br/>As he'd hoped, she helped him scoot and twist. After a great deal of pain and work, he finally was able to lean back against the pillows, supported by the headboard. His breathing was still ragged, but he turned back to the child once more.<br/><br/>"Now, little one," he assumed a casual smile, much like one might don a glove, masking his pain and fatigue so as to reassure her, "Come here, and see for yourself, the true nature of the man you expected to find." He patted the mattress beside him, inviting.<br/><br/>His face was still pale, his eyes showing only a hint of the agony he was suppressing. He wore the casual smile masterfully. Most remarkable, however, was the power in his voice. His voice should have been ragged and weak, yet he spoke in honeyed tones. His voice was soft, almost melodic.<br/><br/>"You have seen the posts, and heard the tales, I am sure... but these do not tell the complete tale. I shall strike a bargain with thee... if the lady does not object" he smiled at Kate, "If you will agree to make a pact with me, and give your solemn word to keep the secrets the Lady wishes, I will agree to tell you all you wish to know. I shall be at your disposal whenever I am free of my duty. Do we have an accord?"<br/><br/>With this last question, he looked up to Kate inquiringly. He sought her permission as much as the girl's agreement, not wishing to act outside her desires.