[ Why she is here at all -- she cannot stomach the nobility and the disbelief. The knights could not be corrupt, but they were. Or at least blinded. She would find the truth of it one day or another, though truthfully it didn't matter. She would end their tyranny of her home whether they were English, Half-Breed or Vampire kindred. ]

Then that is what I ask of you. [ Because this is it -- this is the only thing she cares about any longer. ] I need time to train warriors, fighters to protect the people here and see against the corruption that leaves them as victims of those who are meant to be protecting them. [ Tilts her face up, rolls her shoulders back. This is where she is ruler most: in her fierce need to protect and serve in equal turns. ] But I cannot do that with all sides breathing down my neck.

[ And that was where he came in -- ] I would ask you to protect the streets, and by doing so, your... reputation and the abilities of your men, will surely draw them away from my activities.

[ If he could busy their left hand, she could move the right. ]