He nods, having assumed as much - there were many places without Queens these days, at least without ones that serve openly. And no wonder. Either they were decent sorts who had already been deposed by Hayllian influence or weak enough to let their country be controlled through them.

At the question, he actually snorts to cover up the flash of grief under the answer. "The only Queen I have ever known to be worthy of the title was murdered before I was old enough to swear to her," he says in an even voice. "So I became a librarian instead." Librarians can seek employment elsewhere. What does he care for the status that comes with serving in a court?