[Well, this was certainly unexpected.

His posture straightens a bit, subconsciously.] President Frank Underwood, your Majesty, and it is a very sincere pleasure to meet you.

[He's probably full of it, but with Southerners, even for those accustomed to their social habits, it can be so very hard to tell.]

[A charming compliment, though largely untrue - it would be rude to correct anything she says.

He knew his manners, as well as how to play the modern 'game of thrones.']

That is very kind of you to say, though I'm sure we have as many unresolved issues and internal conflicts as any other country.

[A show of humility with an extended thoughtful pause:]

But please, you're welcome to call me Frank.

All the better for you, then. You can act without feeling subservient to a husband. You know, I think my wife would like you.

[The slight shift in his seat betrays a fraction of discomfort.]

In fact, I'm certain that she would. But she isn't here either, so I suppose that just leaves you and I.

[He notes that little twitch of her lips and gives a slight sigh through his nose. Perhaps a dose of moderated honesty is in demand.]

Ex wife, but, I do think it would be an exception. The two of you have quite a bit in common.

[As does he with Henry, in truth, but he isn't going to sabotage himself worse than he's already done.]

See, the difference between a President and a King is that the King can do whatever he want to whomever he wants, and have little overall concern for the consequences. A President has to appeal and find himself deposed, as it were, in a matter of seconds. Public relations is everything, and the opinion of the people will break a man if not carefully sculpted.

For example, a man's wife leaving him in the middle of his campaign for re-election. [It is very frustrating. He somewhat envies Henry's freedom to hack off a head and be done with it.]

Perhaps the present company is in both of our best interests.

[Oh, well, that was rude. And it was going so well... Damn.]

Only in your confidence, cleverness, and desire to not be...controlled. Unless I am mistaken.

[Perhaps that would be enough to circumnavigate further similarities between any of them.]

Destructive personal relationships are ill-suited to those with ambitious agendas. Out with the old, in with the new. Sometimes, the best way to start over is with new alliances. In your case, being free of the fatal inconvenience of being disposed.

Well, I come with an unfair understanding of your illustrious past and reputation.

[That said, there's no judgment, really. He rather likes the ones like her, sprinkled about the history of mankind.]

Oh, just the pleasure of a charming and cultured woman, less aware of my past mistakes and considerably less inclined to loath me.

[Yet.]

You would be correct. Though I appear to have learned the hard way it is better not to criticize opinionated women.

[There is a bit of a smile, though, as the term was not intended as an insult.]

I've no doubt you would learn it all, soon enough. But there is hope that, as one not personally involved, you may not simmer with scorn and disapproval as much as those personally affected. I cannot say if you would object or see it all as a series of necessities laced with personal shortcomings that can be ...amended. I like to think the better of us can rise above our flaws.

[There is a moment before he casts the darker look off of his face, and tilts his head in something close to amusement.]

Do all of your meetings with foreign dignitaries play out like this?

Madam, I am from Carolina, born and raised with southern grace and charm. Your dignity will never be in question.

[Unless you screw up your own reputation. Then you can go down with the ship, while I take the last lifeboat. I'm not making the mistake of trying to keep two people above the water again.]

Well, that's mighty kind of you to say. I fear I should have warned you sooner that those same southern gentleman I was just referring to are highly susceptible to charm an flattery.