She's got the devil's eyes
As with nearly everything, there is so much unspoken in this story. So many pieces left out. Something Heartfire had never bothered to rectify. She would have perhaps, had she any faith it might make any sort of difference. But love is not logical, nor does it bend to such whims. And it is that understanding that had stayed Heartfire’s hand and tongue. Were she certain the truth might cause anything but pain, she might have offered it. Regrettably, she had never been certain of anything regarding Dovev and those who had come before her.
Were she a more virtuous woman, she might have tried anyway. But she is not, nor would she ever pretend to be. Better then, for Leliana to think the worst of her. Better for her to believe her actions had been intentional and their prior acquaintance a cold, manipulative lie.
She would never willingly admit how he had torn down each barrier she’d placed between them, or found his way past the walls she had so carefully erected around her heart. Nor would anyone ever know that he is the only living creature to have seen her vulnerable in grief.
It is to Leliana’s credit that she had not grown to hate her. Heartfire had certainly never given her reason not to. If she could be said to regret anything, it would only be that their acquaintance would forever be colored by the weight of their history. She cannot change the past, of course, but she does hope those personal grievances might be forgotten for the sake of their respective kingdoms.
After all, in the coming days, doubtless they would both need what allies they could muster.
She can see the ways in which Leliana so carefully chooses her words, dancing around the might-have-beens as she tests the waters, attempting to determine where they each stand. Heartfire, true to her word (despite what many believe of her), had upheld the alliance she’d forged with Magnus in the wake of his departure. Despite the two women’s differences, she’d never had any desire to alienate Leliana or Tephra.
“That’s true,” she agrees readily enough, her affirmation equally applicable to both statements the Tephran queen had made. “I will admit to some curiosity over your position after your… quarrel with Loess. But I have not abandoned the alliance.”
and they'll cut you like a weapon