[ The conversation has turned personal and he wonders if that is a bad thing. His father died for getting too close to the people who inhabit this court, but he feels... oddly safe. If this was all some long plan to get into his good graces, then he'll deal with it. He doubts that, though. He feels tired, very tired, and a part of him wants to unburden himself to her in that moment. It would be easy to trust and to pour out his frustrations and sorrows and confusion, but he can't do that. Not now. ]

I am sure all kings feel strange when they first put on the crown. I think it gets better.

[ It's a careful answer and one he wishes he could change. There's a flicker of a smile as she continues, some humor shining through that stereotypical northern dourness. ]

That's my way of saying that I can see your kindness. Thank you.