Because it can bloom everywhere, even in the harshest soil. [ And their land is after all so very important to him—to them. ]

My mother—the Queen Katerina—that while the rose was the symbol of our land, the dragon’s blood was the symbol of our people. Wouldn’t it be fair, then, to leave them in your hands?

[ He can’t help a small smile as he adds: ] They also smell quite lovely.