"I know the farther a country extends its reach, the less control it has. But beyond that, I cannot tell you why. I do not enjoy speaking of politics. It is all lies and backstabbing." Which Christine detests. She was born a simple merchant's daughter and had she not been a mage, she never would have been required to play the Game, because of her middle class station.

"You and I are the same in that we wish for better for our people. But I wish for perhaps a bit less excitement than you."