Seelima had always felt a competitive spirit against Alexander. There was little explanation behind it, perhaps it was because of their similar starting points, and the Queen Mother wanted to prove she was just as competent as Alexander, perhaps it was due to her higher position as Queen, perhaps it was something else … whatever it was, whenever she met the young lad, she always wanted to one up him.
Hence when Alexander revealed his small trick, the regal lady cursed herself for getting hoodwinked by all the circuitous, extraneous talks. It made her want to rage.
Thankfully, the feared outburst stopped at that point- Seelima was an accomplished schemer as well and managed to ultimately rein in her temper- understanding she would gain nothing by lashing out.
So the clever woman quickly pivoted her strategy, neither confirming nor denying Alexander's hypothesis but instead sharply posing, "So I take it my lord is not going to accept my offer?"
