Hurt flashed across Ramza's face, and even as quickly as he forced himself back to indifference, it had been there, plain for anyone who had been watching to see. The queen did not think he could do it, did not trust him well enough even for a suicide mission. He could understand her not wanting him to take part in the extraction; he had now allowed three young women he cared about be captured, not a track record he would trust in. But this, being allowed to atone by standing strong against their enemies...did she think even that was beyond him?

"I am yours to command, your highness," he conceded. "But I swear to you, I will not fail in this. Dispel any doubts you carry about my resolve, and let me serve where the need is greatest." He could ask for volunteers, but only those closest to their captured friends were likely to respond to that call.