[Part of her wants to laugh at his reaction, the way his eyes go wide and then suddenly narrow, the conviction with which he speaks. Regis is one of those honorable men, isn't he? Someone defined to the core by a code of their choosing. But this is not a moment for laughter of any sort.

Instead she smiles for him, not a kind expression, and drinks her coffee.]

I do. But it was important to see how you would react. It can be difficult to tell, sometimes. Kings are not honest. Nor are Imperial officers. But we are not what we were. Not entirely.

[Not in Hadriel.

Maketh leans back in her chair.]

We speak will bluntly now. How strong is your power?