[her expression thins at his sharp response, growing distant, and hurt on behalf of her friend. one of thousands of torture victims...it's a truth, but each victim has their significance, from Shiro and the others they've rescued from the Galra, and again she thinks to what occurred between Haggar and Shiro long before she even knew who Lotor was.

how it had taken both her and Hunk to save him from her torment.

there's the temptation to snap at him in response to that, to rise in Shiro's defense for whatever reason Lotor's crass response rankled her, but arguing gets people nowhere so instead she bites her tongue.

she feels for Lotor too. the presence of her father is one she looks to day in and day out for guidance, and she can scarce imagine what life would be like had she grown up in Lotor's circumstance.

so she listens to Lotor speak, head bowed a bit, clearly not scouting the perimeter, as this was an excuse for Lotor to cease speaking with Shiro. she knows it, and there's no use pretending otherwise.

and after a moment's pause, she stops walking, moving to take Lotor's hand in hers, looking up at him.]

I do not believe Shiro is looking for comfort from you. I think...I believe that he's trying to find peace.

[a pause, and then she shakes her head, not wanting to put words into the mouth of another.]

I want you to find peace with this, Lotor. Not with Haggar, I cannot ask that of anyone, but with yourself.

You do not need to forgive her. But you've allowed so much hate to fester within you.