You were being blackmailed, Nahyuta. (apollo's own unpleasant emotions haven't completely subsided, his own grief still fresh in his heart. it's still there, bubbling and stewing as his memories float through, reminding him of all he's lost and suffered through.

but nahyuta's suffered, as well. silently and alone for years, torn away from and yet still close to his family. unable to say a word of truth to anyone. he was forced to shove down all of his emotions, play along like a puppet to ga'ran's cruel strings of control, completely change who he was. what part of that says anything about being a willing participant?

he won't believe it. he won't let anyone fault nahyuta for a single thing that's happened. he's one person, he couldn't have possibly taken on the royal family by himself.) Your family was held hostage right in front of you, what were you supposed to do about it? No one is ever going to blame you for what happened, all they see is a tormented man trying to protect what he has.

(his fists are clenched, trying to keep his emotions from running rampant. he grips nahyuta's arms, forcing him to look at apollo straight in the eyes. his trust in nahyuta remains as unwavering as ever.) You spent your time protecting what the kingdom really needed. And if anyone ever tries to place blame on you for that, I'll personally defend you as many times as I need to!