He smirks at Mace's comment. A devious streak is good for anyone. Likely even more so if they have to navigate Thorne's inner workings more than the average person. Or maybe he just lets it all unfold around him; it isn't like he has much to worry about when he's the Queen's pet--

(Ah.

He may have to start stepping away from that line of thought now.)

--the Queen's apprentice.

"Thank you." For the compliment, or for not keeping him long, it's any guess. Maybe both. Either way, he follows after Mace.