Handy contemplated his words for a long while, the king happily waiting for his response while he perused the books at his disposal. The thought of it did not sit easily with Handy, no matter how he felt about Joachim’s attempt at rapprochement, nor how he felt about having alienated his friend with the ultimatum. He wasn't sure his pride would let him go back over that tilled soil. Besides, even if he wanted to, what on Earth could he do to make up the difference? Still, the king had a point. It only had to look like all was well, and if there was one thing Handy did well, it was keeping up appearances.