[His insides twist into a knot, and they twist more tightly at the mention of "her". Sanson knows exactly who she means from that tone of voice and the context. Once, he said that an executioner shouldn't have regrets. And yet...

Though he had been firm previously, Sanson falters now.]

I... [His voice catches. He doesn't particularly like to be reminded of that day when he brought the guillotine down upon a queen's neck. He slides a hand into his pocket and clenches it into a fist, his nails digging into his palm.]

I believed I was doing my country a service when I accepted my title and became Monsieur de Paris. But...but I've taken innocent lives, as well. I'm not proud of it.

[Way to put him on the spot there. It doesn't really help that Sanson isn't always straight up front with these sorts of things.]