[Alcuin can allow that a monarchy may be oppressive. Terre d'Ange has had pretty great monarchs, though, so he doesn't like the thought that they all are...]

The desires of the gods do not always accord with what those who call themselves their followers will do. Their followers are men, after all, with all the faults and strengths that come with that. At home, at least, our gods are real, but they do not reach out to control our movements, or our governments.