One might say that the castle governs itself. There are kings here, but as they have been separated from their people and their lands, they have no more authority than you or I.

[Here she turns to regard Rin.] Thank you, dear one. [It's an easy endearment with her and it rolls off her tongue.] No doubt, Zelman will tell you that there is a certain power in names. But as you have my own as well, I think it need not concern you overmuch. [A conspiratorial wink at Zelman. Is this helping at all?]

[Finally, she goes back to addressing the group as a whole.] You are welcome, then, to stay with me for a time, if you have no other arrangements. I realize, of course, that you have little reason to trust me over any other, so I am more than willing to offer whatever assurances you will require.