[ it doesn't escape her attention, the way he shifts the conversation from one rail to another — but she doesn't call attention to it, either... not least because now it's her time to flinch infinitesimally, upon hearing the question. ]

It should have been something else. Something better. But... [ she sighs. ] I'm sure you've guessed, based on when it was that I disappeared from my world. After the attempt on my father's life. I — I wished I'd succeeded. [ she pauses, then shakes her head. ] No, more than that, I wished I'd done it far earlier.