[There is a look of disgust on Alfred's face but it's not angled towards Oswald, it's towards his stepsister and he feels his own belly tighten in anger at what the woman tried to do.]

And rightfully so!

[He exclaims, the sincerity in his voice unmistakable. He looks down and sees that his hands have rolled themselves into fists, as if he could punish a ghost on Oswald's behalf. Slowly he forces himself to unclench them as he lets out a long breath.]

You've been on the end of a lot of cruelty, haven't you? [He asks after a moment of silence and then nods to himself. Oswald doesn't have to answer, he knows the truth now. Why else would the smaller man be so hell bent on gaining power? It was because he was always made to feel like he had none.]

I'm sorry that you were mistreated and hurt so much, I swear on my life that I won't do that but if you want I will carry you back to your quarters right this instant so you can feel safe.

That's all I want really, is for you to feel safe and to at least try to show you some kindness.