I just do not have the right icons for this much angst.^^;

[He pulls away from Spain in favor of covering his ears, not wanting to hear anymore. Was that what she'd always thought? That he was pathetic? Maybe he was. He'd always stood in the shadow of some larger, stronger nation. Was always protected by other people. Other people who made sacrifices to keep him safe. Maybe if he'd been stronger, he could have stood up for himself. Maybe if he'd been braver, he would have joined Holy Rome. Maybe then Holy Rome wouldn't have disappeared.

......

But he wasn't brave. He was weak, and a coward. It was a wonder that anyone put up with him at all.]

Please.... Forgive me...

[He doesn't even know who he's apologizing to anymore....]