Vexen isn't held in place; Ansem allows him to turn away, slowly pulling back. The pink of his ears is noticed, and just as much unremarked upon. If anything, it affirms to Ansem that his Apprentice needed those words, needed that forgiveness even if he cannot yet accept it.

"Forgiveness is mine alone to grant," he observes, "and I cannot hold anger in my heart towards you, not any longer. Given your actions, and the fact...you had already had something important taken from you, that perhaps could have made all the difference."

His Heart, that is.

"And as I said," Ansem continues, a hand moving to Even's shoulder, "atonement remains your burden. However, I believe you are in a state to judge whether or not you have achieved it on your own, without my observation." The smile on his face grows a bit softer, as does his voice. "I spoke with Yondu, in the midst of those circles, and he shared with me his wisdom. And so, Even, if you cannot accept my forgiveness...accept that I grant you a second chance, and that I expect you to live up to it."

While there's a bit of a tease in his voice, Ansem is quite serious in this regard. And gazing at Even like this...he has the impulse to turn him back to meet his gaze, but he also senses that it would be a bit...too much right now. Perhaps in more than one way.

(Such brings a feeling of deja vu, but- now is not the time.)