[Although he's utterly incompetent at dealing with people, Cade can at least read them pretty well, and is aware of Alistair's mood shift almost instantaneously.]

Sorry, [he says hastily, cursing himself-- can he not make it weird just once? Just once. He's trying, for Andraste's sake, but fat lot of good that's ever done him.

He stares at the table while Alistair continues to speak, and is silent for several moments after, clearly having difficulty with the conversation and still unable as ever to articulate it sensibly.]

...do you think less of me? [He asks finally, meeting Alistair's eyes for a split second and then chickening out.]