Jean-Claude laughs at that, and the sound is low and deep and sensuous in all the ways that are probably inappropriate for a serious conversation like this. But he is enjoying himself in this conversation, so why tone it down just for that?

"I see," he replies, before looking at the other man more directly. "It is true, I was not a fan of our late mistress. Nor am I particularly fond of our dear leader now. You flatter me," he says, before shaking his head and adding, "No, really, you do. It is good to know that his decisions have not made such a mark against us that we are beyond negotiation."

He sits up straighter and looks at the other man more seriously now. "To overthrow one's authority is more difficult than one might think, however. Especially when I am certain that, unless he is a true fool, it is exactly what he expects us to try to do."