[So they stand now beyond the stretch of Byerly's memory. He's gone: the young, furious, helpless version. Even knowing that it worked out well for her, something wrenches at Prior for the fact that he left Nadine here, that both of them found themselves alone when they were so clearly all the other had. Oh, he knows there's some notion of protection in it. Probably justified given what he knows of Barrayan's society's live-or-die approach to reputation. Still.]

Well, you were already right. Hard to quip when you're talking to a brick wall.

[He turns heel in toward Byerly, back to his cold, impassive father.] You were right, you did know that? He doesn't understand - anything. Look at this place, you couldn't expect reason from someone who lets you live like this. That is not...

[His jaw works a moment, teeth worrying at his lip, keeping back worse words.]

You should have had better than that.