He dragged me down, actually. [ A thin, brittle smile. ] I can't imagine how a real meeting might've transpired between us. He said I was soft like my brother, and not a true-- [ She stumbles, so hesitant to speak of her family name in the presence of enemies. ] --not one of my family.

[ His question has her look turning thoughtful, but soon she's shaking her head, meeting his eyes. ]

I don't know. Perhaps that's how it begins. "This is our strength, bend the knee to us."