[ He was assured at a young age, that his destiny belonged to him. That no other, besides himself, was possessed of the ability to become the master his fate, or to command his soul. His heart, he was instructed to hide away - and dutifully, he did. In doing so, he took the first steps of the sovereign - polar opposite of the supplicant. She speaks of mandates set forth by another, and the thought of obedience is so foreign to him, unless it is given to another as means to an end. ]

I, too, once served a king.

[ He does not admit that he had served many kings, over many countless years; that he, wrapped in falsity, was biding his time. Like a serpent. ]

Forgive me if I do you wrong, as I do not understand the ways of your world nor your heart. But, I learned what we are certain of, we must create for ourselves.

[ For a moment, he closes his eyes, his teeth snagging at his bottom lip - a boyish gesture - and he spreads his gloved fingers, apologetically. ]

I don't mean to lecture. You remind me a little of a woman I knew.