[and when it comes right down to it, family really is all that matters, isn't it?

for the first time his smile falters; there's the briefest of hesitations, as if he's trying to decide just how to word this, before he replies.] On the two occasions in our history that it was needed, yes. By and large, we were a peaceful people-- which, I suppose, made us ideal targets for those who came to covet all we possessed.

But I'm sure I needn't elaborate how fiercely an Eliatrope and his dragon will fight to safeguard what is rightfully his.

[she should know; the emphasis on 'rightful queen' had said it all. where there was a throne to be won, there was always a struggle -- and didn't he know it?]