[Gale can't help but laugh - despite all the emotions he's had wearing on him over the course of the day, Astarion still manages to find a little more energy for determined defiance.]

And I couldn't be happier for it. You chose me, you chose to remain who you are and not ascend, and... and I...

[He pauses, hesitating as a consideration he's been avoiding floats back into his mind. His eyes fall, brow tightening.]

I can't choose the crown.