Skuggi poked his head out of the eye socket, black eyes intently watching the room as he rested there, content to not move. Rex just shook his head at the bird's antics. He was used to his quirks.

"I do not know whether she lives. But that is a question for another time." He peered into his cup. "As for the Vampires... Not al Vampires work under the Council. In fact, the Council only exists to make my job easier. However, due to the... Circumstances, that is not the case. Most will ignore you as a threat so long as I am with you. It is a minority who actually like those pompous fools. Just yesterday I received a letter that they wanted to raise the Taxes again, and that [i]I[/i] of all people would be subject to it as well... Which is preposterous. They have grown fat on greed. Some days I have half a mind that wonders what would happen if they were... Removed." Rex chuckles darkly.

Rex had often thought about the reforms he was going to put in place when he reached his Fiftieth birthday. He knew they would very much try and "remove him" before that, but he would see their comeuppance. "In all honesty, there may very well be stirrings of... Rebellion. My favor among the people is relatively high and my rather... Progressive viewpoints are among the majority." He shrugged. "When I am of age I migh very well abolish the whole Council and replace it. I'm of the mind that I would be a terrible king."