It's nothing so concerning. It just caught me off guard, is all.

[His answering grin is grateful nonetheless as he takes the moment offered to recompose himself.]

We just ended a long and difficult war with the country to the south, in my own world. I was to become the next Exalt...after the death of my beloved sister. I had imagined that she would continue to rule for many more decades, so as you can imagine...the title does not yet sit well with me.