Frederic nodded and carefully took her hands in his own strong but gentle grip in a reassuring manner. He too didn't really know how to proceed from here, but for Karen's sake, he pretended to have some semblance of an idea. "We- we see what happens," he said, a slight smile appearing on his face despite his own uncertainty. "And I will take care of you and your children, whatever it takes," he promised quietly. "And should you ever feel you want or need to-" He choked on his words for a moment, but then forced them out despite how much he hoped this wouldn't happen, "-need to leave me, I would never stop you, for your will is vastly more important than the matters of my heart."