Obvious in retrospect.

[freenarnian]

I hope I'm not the only one ready for another round of obsessive, in-depth, delight-and-amuse-Megan-by-finding-what-isn't-(or-is-it?)-there book discussion!

Because I just finished a 2nd reading of A Conspiracy of Kings.

Comments

[ladraove]

As for the first point, I always thought that Sounis trusted Gen more than he trusted Attolia, simply because of their history together. So I read it as being for the sake of Sounis' comfort - if he had to swear loyalty, at least he could swear it to his friend. I'm not sure, though.

When it comes from the timeline, I imagined the beginning taking place maybe a year or so after the end of King of Attolia, just because Gen seemed more comfortable in his role as Attolis, and his relationship with Attolia seemed more...stable? I'm not sure what the word would be, it's hard to explain.

[freenarnian]

It crossed my mind that it had strongly to do with their friendship too, and possibly it does, but then Gen makes it clear that friendship alone doesn't trump the delicate politics of it all. So I thought, Surely there has to be more to it than that.

[ladraove]

Yes, I thought of how Gen said that, too. But then I thought that while Gen was putting the politics first, perhaps Sounis wasn't?

[freenarnian]

Good point. I'd be like, "I want to talk to Gen... er, Attolis, please..." too, nevermind the risk of Attolia glaring at me. They are two entirely different brands of frightening.

[freenarnian]

...and their kids will be downright terrifying.

[freenarnian]

Maybe THAT's why Attolis, and not the Attolian throne in general. Sophos and Helen might not want their children playing with Gen and Irene's, much less swearing allegiance to them! It all makes sense now.

(Okay I'm done. *grin*)