At their peril, she thought to herself. No one could replace him: it seemed absurd to even try. She didn't think anyone would be foolish enough to try to take over his position, but this did present her with a rather irresistible opportunity, one she couldn't quite pass up.
"That's right, I have been meaning to talk to you about that - I did hear whispers the other night; the word "treason" might have been one of them. You don't think it's serious, do you?"
She did her best to appear concerned and earnest, though she couldn't quite suppress her grin.