Sister Chaola,
You have known Shaddam longer than most tutors, and perhaps better than his blood kin. I ask for your honest measure of him.
Since his older brother’s death, the boy stands nearer the throne than wisdom recommends. He has Corrino pride, but not yet Corrino discipline. He is clever when watched, charming when indulged, and wounded whenever he imagines himself overlooked. His mother gave him absence; I gave him expectation. Between us, we may have fashioned a prince who believes power is owed before it is understood.
Still, he must be prepared. I will not have my heir softened into ornament, nor sharpened into a fool who mistakes impatience for strength. Watch what he loves. Watch what he resents. Tell me which hunger governs him when he thinks no one sees.
A throne does not improve a man. It only gives his nature room.
— Elrood IX