[For a moment, he just stares at her: sizing her up, deciding whether or not she's worth answering. And then he does something that could be very surprising...

He lowers himself to one knee so he can stare her in the eyes. Largely because he doesn't want a crick in his neck from looking down that long. But still.]

You could ask Mohs the same; or Ingobert, or the previous Emperor. How many do you think they'd be willing to abandon, simply because the Score demanded it? Call me a monster if you wish; but don't make the mistake of thinking I'm alone in that regard.