Honestly, Kiara was very grateful that he had listened, but unfortunately he still could not understand. She sighed and only nodded her head, though she did not take his advice to heart. Continuing to explain would get her nowhere. First he beats her up because she could easily end the war and now he tells her that instead she should do what she wishes. Ostus needed to make up his mind. She could not do both. It was either end the war right here, right now as she was doing, or let it continue, run away, and leave her kingdom without a ruler. Was that even a choice? 

He was right about one thing: she was about to marry someone who most likely understood better than anyone ever would. At least to an extent. Ostus could not comprehend her life because he had never been put into a position where an entire country depended on what he did or said. Perhaps, not even the prince she was to marry had, but he could at least sympathize, she was sure. 

Still, the conversation had not been without benefits. After all, apparently he considered her a friend. Or at least close to one. Though it wasn't really all that comforting to realize that he was right, he was the only one she had. Either way, it was sweet of him to say, so she gave him a small smile and said, "Yes. I enjoy being around you too, even if you're usually a tasteless barbarian." Her tone was teasing as she spoke. "Thank you for listening, but I think I'll be going to bed now. I'm... very tired." Again, she smiled at him, though this time it did not touch her eyes.

When she was out of hearing distance, Kiara sighed deeply and realized not for the first time that what she wanted more than her freedom was for someone to truly understand.