"It's just the truth. That's why I'm with Diacht, after all!"

Saying something that pat and misleading—though it had been the truth, actually, all the way through—is easier than accepting thanks for something he'd had some feelings about himself. He doesn't reject them, but can't bring himself to take them without some derailing. Still. He pats her arm again, comforting, but also in that way that signals "you're better now, right, and have no more need for comfort."

Surely?