Queen Julia's reaction was not at all what Eli had expected, but not in a necessarily bad way. He had apparently embarrassed her with his compliment on her appearance, which was an amusement in and of itself. She likely received such comments regularly from courtiers, yet she blushed nonetheless. Even the lesser nobility of Eli's homeland found themselves inured to petty compliments at a young age. Her actual words, however, put a halt to the knight's amusement at her reaction.

"Your Grace, I am humbly honored that you would deign to worry about my safety." Eli paused, considering how best to proceed past the bland courtesy. He could thank her and leave, but that might be considered rude. He could press her about the cruelty she spoke of, clearly referencing his mystery opponent for the tournament tomorrow, but that would certainly be rude. The middle route, simply continuing the conversation without any pressure, seemed his best option. "Fighting is cruel by nature. I may indeed die tomorrow, but that is part of the risk I take by deciding to live by the sword. I do not know who King Pompey will set me against tomorrow, but I can assure you that he will not find me to be an easy opponent." Eli thought for a moment then smiled, this one a real genuine expression of humor. "I probably shouldn't be bragging of my prowess to the Queen of Albany on the eve of fighting the King's chosen champion. Some might consider it improper. Alas, my tongue runs away from me sometimes."