The decree of the King had been that the vessels were not people. They were merely small blobs of void contained by a mask and given the shape of a person. No mind to lose, no will to break. And yet, this vessel was could only be more clearly upset about something if they had said it out loud.

Her father had made many mistakes. Told her many lies. What was one more?

Hornet hesitated then knelt down beside the vessel, with one hand on their shoulder, and held out her hand.

"Here, let me help. That can't be easy with one hand."