Rial's hands clench into fists for one brief but noticeable second. His jaw is clenched, it takes a few moments for him to speak again and he's angry, clearly angry.

"And how is that any kriffing different then what people told you, told me after the coup? Your body was never found, we as good as knew you were still out there. And since you had the claim to the throne and I was still betrothed to you, they put the weight on me to learn how to be a decent ruler so that I could cover for your ass when and if you came back. And I dealt with it."

Rial gets quiet the more his temper flares, and that last sentence is practically hissed. "I think I came out decently, in the end. She'll manage as well. She's not a kriffing doll."

He strides forward. He's close, in her space, angry and determined. Every inch of his body is screaming intimidation.

"And I won't see this planet in the hands of those who would do her wrong just because someone was too cowardly to make a decision for the good of someone other then her own."