The Vojvode's words confuse Val for a moment, as they are not words her father would say. Before she can voice or even realize them, her suspicions are caressed away by his warmth.

"We can not choose our fate, only how we face it," she whispers. She rests her head against his shoulder and her tears slow. She still feels the sadness, the longing for her family, but the ache has lessened.