"With respect, Petal, my master can choose to be displeased with me whenever he desires," Toren reminded her, hating that he was bound in such a way. It was just the way of things, though. If Akakios chose to have mercy than he might not be punished for assisting her but he was always free to do as he wanted. He didn't think that smart to tell her in such detail, though, no good would come of him bad-mouthing Akakios to her.
"I can manage, though," he insisted, though he was decidedly not all right. "I will rest if you insist upon it, but please don't trouble yourself too much for my sake. Before you I survived and I will survive after your job is done."
He directed her back to her quarters, guiding her gently by the arm and insisting upon getting the door for her. If nothing else he wanted to help her get settled and comfortable. "You might wish to talk to him eventually, Petal. It won't be good for you to be working outside the day after such a taxing thing. Perhaps ask if he might adjust his...schedule to accommodate you to cause the least discomfort possible."