She dared to challenge him?! His free hand shot out and he grabbed a fistful of her collar to pull her nearer.

"Then make me stop, you empty-headed little whore."

His teeth are clenched in pain and anger as he hisses at her.

"If you hadn't been such a bleeding heart I'd have told you the truth. Have you ever been to war? Do you think anyone wins by coddling their soldiers and keeping them from harm? They knew what they were risking when they volunteered and if we'd have escaped it would have been worth it!"