"Like a king," Nadine clarifies. "He's not called that, but he's a powerful leader that a lot of people follow. And he takes care of his people and just asks for loyalty in return."

Loyalty is of utmost importance. Betrayal was not tolerated. But Nadine doesn't know how else to put Flagg's position into context for Eponine, 'king' seemed the easiest way. How else could he have a queen, otherwise?

"And no, no, nothing like that, you don't have to bow. It's just that those other people I mentioned...one of them is Lloyd, he's Randall's right hand man and a really good friend of mine. The other is...well...Julie. The girl you got in a fight with. I know...I know she can be...difficult, but she's in the same crappy position we are and she did her stint in solitary, too. And she's one of us."