At least one royal family has sense. [ Skylark is not sure as to how much intrigue it actually cuts down on, but it makes sense to him. ] There are... [ He silently ticks off fingers on his hand while he counts. ] ...Ten Great Houses, to give you an idea of how big the imperial family is. I've met Dynasts from half of them, mostly.

So every once in a while, I'd hear stories about sibling rivalries and grudges and political and social schemes, outpourings of resentment and envy and insecurity to my sisters' kind, listening ears, and… [ Skylark drums his fingers on the broom handle as he debates whether he should say what follows. ] At least one confession to an assassination attempt. Stuff like that.