She waited as patiently as she could for the truth to land with him. It was her past and it was painful, but she wasn't that woman anymore. "Me. A very long time ago." She watched him, wary of what she might find in him. She wanted no pity from him, not when she'd come so far. She did feel a twinge of pity for him, though. "There are no marks to find, dearest."

She thought carefully before giving him a brief nod. She had asked him to be honest with her; how could she offer less. "My first husband did not deserve the honor. You are a different man." She did her best to let her tone soften. He wasn't responsible for her past, but he had given her months of safety and comfort. For all his hesitation, and his secrets, she had a different faith in him. He protected her, whether he understood or not. "If you have questions, I will answer as well as I may. I owe you that in the least. Of course, I may relieve you of that to do so." She offered him wryly, gesturing to the glass he was nearly crushing in his hand.

---