That's not what I think it means. It might mean acknowledging her social superiority or higher rank, but it does not require him to obey her or submit to her will. He's going to bind the Nine Moons to serve him anyway, so it could be a ruse or a trick that gets him access to the Seanchan so he can turn the tables, or it could be some aspect of Seanchan law gives him certain protections that he would not ordinarily have. For instance, the Seanchan, paradoxically, appear to be one of the most free nations in some ways. Setting aside the issue of gender treatment, I would rather be a commoner in Seanchan than a wealthy woman in Far Madding, if for no other reason than the Seanchan don't restrict people's movements and have no problem with people carrying weapons. Unless you are a part of the Seanchan apparatus of government or power, your rights seem remarkably broad, and the Blood in general, and Tuon in particular seem to genuinely believe in the duties that attend their high stations, and to recognize the limits of their power (hence the whole intrigue and assassination thing - they use such methods because their ability to act openly is constrained). If Rand kneels to the Empress, perhaps that means the Seanchan equivalent of the Bill of Rights suddenly applies to him! It does not ncessarily make him a vassal (and going by how Tuon deals with Beslan, a Seanchan vassal seems to have a lot of freedom, too) or sworn soldier in the Empress's service, but it might mean that Imperial justice now applies to him, and he is entitled to the protection of Seanchan law. If he does NOT kneel to the Crystal Throne, he is a foreigner who must be conquered, but if he kneels he is a subject who is protected. And if he can retain his private citizen status, there is no real downside, apart from his ego.

I'm not saying that is what will happen or even is likely to happen, but it is one example of how it COULD turn out better for him. In any event kneeling might not be the best possible relationship with the Empress from his point of view, but that ship sailed when he screwed up their first meeting.


It's not like he's burned that bridge, as he did with Tuon. He has the power to blow off Egwene, and does not really need anything from her, aside from her non-interference.



Actually, since we don't know what kneeling would entail, I think my idea, that it will somehow be the key to getting the Seanchan to serve him, is more in keeping with the themes and methods of WoT.