I like how the emperor, through sheer dint of not communicating, is managing to make the twins hate him more as he tries to patch things up. Literally all we would have to do is talk things through with them and it could get a lot better, but by keeping secrets and guessing at their intentions he consistently makes things worse.
Arjen has a surprisingly good head on his shoulders. He doesn't want to run away from free food and an easy lifestyle, and I respect that. The duke is a silly villian, though his son is a little better.