( he appreciates the effort. it reminds him of hope; that kind impulse reminds him of his daughter not in the abstract way it used to, but as a visceral ache. (she would, too. she would be kind. she would want to protect him, like she protected him before he returned here.) klaus' eyes sting, but it is not the grief that wins in the battle of his feelings, it's bittersweet joy.

here still is this bright, beautiful little girl who cares for him, who he cares for.

he tempers his tears, injects a sober playfulness into his tone. ) That is edifying, though I am disappointed I wasn't included. I assume you're a princess? ( pause. no; ) A queen? How you will organize your new regime?