"And from you."

"I only play with people who deserve it, or want to play. Your friend is neither, so I backed off."

"And how do you judge who deserves it? Most dynasts would say much the same."

"The other key difference is that I'm not perpetuating an exploitative imperialist power that treats its territories like cattle."

"Who stands behind you doesn't change the morality of how you treat people."

"You know, that's a very interesting point you just made. I agree with it, so I'm going to just let it sit in the air for a while for you to think through it."

"I've never said that cruel governors are not cruel, nor that horrible means in pursuit of a good goal become good. Many Dynasts are assholes - as are many people, including many other Exalts."

"Right. So, I am not, in fact, an asshole."

"You very often are."

"I like to think it's not a fundamental personality trait."

She rolls her eyes. "Fundamental or not, you act like one a lot."

"To be fair to me, the time we've known each other has been mostly around the fae, desperately bored in a tiny little boat, or subverting a despotic local government. All of which I would argue count as extenuating circumstances."

"Extenuating circumstances are when integrity matters the most."

Hrm.

"Maybe."

"It's not an issue of 'maybe.'"

"Yeah, well, I'm still new to this whole 'godlike power' thing. My fuckups don't usually have this much potential for repercussion. Also! Usually! I haven't fallen off the edge of the world!"

"Then start learning."

"Fuck me..." she mutters.

"I'm trying, princess."

That softens her hard gaze, the steely and stubborn line of her shoulders. Not too much, but enough to be noticeable.

"Good," she says, quietly.