She pulls back to meet his gaze, her anguish writ large on her face.

"It's not like that for me. It can not be like that for me. If I give myself to you, I give myself wholly and completely. And I fear, I've already come too far."

Her hand finds its home on his cheek, thumb stroking his beard.

"Please, try to understand." her voice breaks, her jaw clenched.

He can feel her breaking in his hands. Can feel her pulling herself apart, her longing for him and her duty to Barsoom tearing her in two like gossamer silk.