Athelstane claims that he returned to life a changed man, no longer saddled with royal ambitions. But his excuses recall earlier behavior that already suggested he was unfit to rule—he’s more concerned with eating and drinking than with leading, he lacks fighting spirit and the bloodthirstiness to match the Normans’ chivalric emphasis on fighting, and he doesn’t even want to force Rowena into an unhappy marriage. Thus, his acceptance of Richard confirms the foregone conclusion (which the facts of history force on the book) that Richard will one day hold the throne. And it confirms Richard’s right—both by birth and by his excellent character—to fulfill the role of king.