"Sometimes." Her gaze drops, almost guiltily. "I was very close to them. They were good parents. But when you're grieving, you don't always know what will make things better and what won't."

Perhaps it's her exhaustion, or maybe the brandy, but it takes her a few seconds for what he's telling her to sink in. It makes sense, of course, considering Martel's religious views, but she can't help but feel a little hurt. "Good thing Caspar isn't dead, then," she murmurs, too tired or too insecure to chastise him further.