One thing, to think he had helped the matter; another entirely, to be informed Cain had been a king. Raine blinked at him, speechless for a moment, and put her fork down.

She could see it, briefly. Then he was only Cain again-- but only Cain still encompassed multitudes.

"Would you prefer it to stay that way?" she asked after a moment's thought, regaining her composure. And, when she'd had an opportunity to continue a little further: "'Rome' doesn't sound much like Cain." It was oblique, but still a question.