She almost laughs, and he's not certain if it's at him or the situation itself. Perhaps she is really so startled that she doesn't know what to make of it. As it stands, she studies him for several moments before turning the question back on him in her own way. He nods, to start, eyelids lowering as he places his hand over his heart.

"I have thought about it at great length," he begins, "Though perhaps it was an error to do so without giving you any indication beforehand. Selfish of me, I suppose; such an important decision should, of course, be made only if it satisfies both parties. It is not simply about keeping you here. I know that this is home."

Viscint means too much for both of them for either of them to leave it for long, even if their lives look different than they once had going forward.

"The place I belong is beside you, as well."