He sounds like a terrible king. [And she means it. It isn't placating, it's sincere. That isn't how she was taught to rule. She knows there are people who will abuse their political power, but that doesn't make it acceptable.] I'm sorry you and your countryfolk have to deal with that.

[Though, a sober thought reminded her, what had she done to her country? Hadn't she hurt them all? Destroyed a summer and brought a blanket of ice? Could she really admonish someone else when that was on her?

She swallowed hard and ducked her head, breathing deeply to keep calm.]

I... hope you're successful. In finding other ways to get food here.