[She watches his features harden, his body language betraying some form of discomfort. A resignation that she could recognize all too well. Something about this man reminded her of someone she knew, and through the sting of melancholy, her shoulders relax only slightly.

At the question, she looks at him considering.]

The illusion that I had control over such things shattered for me long ago. The sun will rise again, no matter my actions. Even an empress cannot halt that much.