Ness has enough self-control—enough shame—that when Stephen lets go of her hand, she doesn't pout, or try to catch his again to keep holding on. Her lips thin, though, and she looks away from him. She gets the distinct impression she hasn't understood the point of this conversation, and she hates that feeling, the squirming inadequacy and wrong-footed anxiety that roils through her stomach while she tries to figure out what she's supposed to be saying.

"I don't understand." It's an admission that feels as difficult as pulling teeth, offered quietly. "You said I'm performing poorly because I'm unwell. You're not going to tell the Seneschal?"

That's irresponsible, and frankly nothing like the man Ness has come to know. If he thinks she's inadequate to the task—any task—Stephen wouldn't let whatever small affection he might feel for her keep him from doing what was right for Riftwatch and Thedas.