[ When they reassure her - what else can she do, but believe it? Because contrary to anything anyone else might say she knows one simple truth to this all. They are good men, perhaps of a life so far away from her own. Not in terms of place, that seemed trifles to the real differences, in upbringing, understanding of the world. But this remained true to her, what she believed. They were good men. Even if the violence scared her.

With Hellboy's offered hand, she steps forward. Taking him carefully by the fingers, like she would any other.

But there, in front of them, she does the one thing that she felt needed to be done, said, acted upon. With her hand lifted in Hellboy's, slowly and gracefully as she can, she sinks to her knees in front of them both. Her coat and skirts pooling underneath her. A small ceremony, in turn, where she takes Jacob's hand as well, and then as reverentially as she dared, she kissed the back of his knuckles, then in turn, gave the same to Hellboy's own hand. Turning her eyes up, and the sincerity of everything she feels is painted in it, as she meets their gaze, Jacob and then Hellboy as solemnly as she could. ]

Thank you. Both of you. Thank you, from all I am as Queen and all I am not as a woman, you have honoured me twice over. For defending my honour as you have, for being willing to do so again, and listening to my request, even when I know I have neither right nor position to ask it from you. Were I still of my rank, I would shower you in gifts and position in my lands, but I have not but myself, and my own ardent thanks, and I can do no more, now than hope it suffices.