That gets a sharp laugh from Malik, "Sorry, seeing you upset about someone being evasive at you for a change is a bit cathartic after these nearly three years. I cannot promise that I will not do it again though, circular questions are a familiar way of things." He'll eat his piece of candy thought.

"Emperor and Empress grieve as parents for Star. If it is even half the sorrow I felt for a son I will likely never know then... a gesture like this may be welcome and offer you a path of alliance or at least smooth things with one or both of them. I could be wildly incorrect however."

He hums, sipping his drink. "Yes. Lovers returned. What would have happened if the ball had landed on one of the numbers of those of your group who are dead?"