"I hope to get out, alive with my mentor at that, but with my absence at home there is no reason to think anything other than what I know." He hopes desperately that they've gotten free after those three months and they're working toward getting home. But he doesn't know what fate has in store for him. "I hold out great hope, my lady, but that does not mean I can ignore the road right in front of me."

Even if Elizabeth doesn't want his advice like one of her advisers would give he can still give a few words as a friend, which he's done. "He is not a literal suitor though, my lady, I would not suggest him as such. Just treat him as one minus the kisses and touches. I know that they are a sore subject for you at home. But as much as I like my lady I do not wish her to be married to Cross of all people."