[If she were younger, less disciplined, and petulant she could easily imagine a groan of disdain escaping her. Self-examination. As if she has not done that enough. She supposes he doesn't mean it quite the way she executes just such a thing, however. Beatrix is an unforgiving woman, with herself most of all. That is clear as day, really, for those who know her closely.

She can't help but wonder.

What does she want for herself? Anything? Has she ever wanted anything? She can't remember a time in which she did, really. It's always been a matter of answering to those above her. Serving a greater cause than herself. And she's been convinced that such a thing is already more than she deserves.

How does she begin figuring out anything beyond that when she's never had a direction to go in? She fears her expression betrays her.]

What a lofty hope you hold. [Beatrix begins, drawing in a breath to consider before she should continue.] It would be nice to be a normal woman, I think. Not a military general. Not a guardian to a princess, though I love the royal family dearly with all of my heart. [And that she can admit.] I do not know how to be a normal woman. How to want the things a normal woman would want. When I am around you, I realise I never wanted things before. In the days here... I can say with certainty I want to fight you a lot.

[She smiles then. Just a touch because only she really understands what she's saying with such a statement.]

Not to harm you. But because when we fight together, I feel alive. And when we fight together, I want to be close to you.