She couldn't tell whether it was out of concern or guilt, but Sir Oswin insisted on protecting her throughout the remainder of their war. If she found herself overwhelmed by enemies, he was there to help her in an instant. Whenever she needed a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, he held her in his arms and let her lament.
Before long, she was going out of her way to help and support him as much as she could. The night Lord Hector discovered Oswin had lied to him about his brother's death, she reassured him it had been for the best, that Lord Hector would eventually forgive him.
The morning after the war finally ended, he approached her and knelt before her.
"Lady Priscilla," he began, "we've become rather close in the last many months, haven't we?"
"I think so," she answered. "I want to thank you for all you've done for me...but why? You were sworn to Lord Hector, and yet you chose to remain with me."
"He gave me leave after realizing you would need me more," he said. "At first I simply protected you because you were so vulnerable from the revelation the reason behind House Cornwell's fall. But when you recovered, I realized I'd fallen in love with you." He clasped her hands in his own. "I wish to take you back to Ostia and marry you, if you don't object."
"S-Sir Oswin!" she gasped. "This is so sudden...I..."
"You don't have to answer me right away."
She smiled.
"I accept. Because I have fallen for you as well."