"It does, doesn't it." Raine's focus turned inward as well, and she was content to match Skulduggery's pace in relative silence while she considered that. If the previous Emperor had selected Evandau to take her place that was one thing, but there was too much about that situation that she just didn't know.

That had been foolish of her, not to follow up on what had happened after Eshai's murder. Well. It was not the worst mistake she'd made, at least, and could be rectified.

At his voice she glanced up again, and after a moment nodded. "Not precisely, but I can draw a rough comparison. And no. It didn't end particularly well. It's a different set of skills, and it takes a rare person to handle military strategy and sound governance all at once. I take your point."