Asch let out a surprised noise, and it was a good thing he was already holding onto her, otherwise he probably wouldn't have been able to catch her in time. He held onto her arms tightly, giving her a stern look.

"Natalia," he began, his tone firm. "This is why I hesitated to tell you who I was. I don't know how long we'll have together here... I didn't want you to suffer, knowing what will become of me."

He let out a breath, calming slightly. "...but at the same time, I couldn't not tell you, and go day by day knowing that I was holding something terrible from you.

"But you are Kimlasca's princess. Your strength and your kindness are what the people look up to. You will find a way to endure this, and everything else that may happen from now till then."