“A princess can ask. So can a queen. Your mother did not order me to be your Companion. And she could have. I owe her my fealty.
“She asked. And I said yes. If she had ordered, I would have obeyed. But not happily. And every time you screamed or pouted or threw a tantrum, I would have been angry at you. And I would have been angry at her for making me be with you.
“But since she asked, and since I agreed willingly, I am doing my best.” She looked deep into the violet eyes. “People will always do more for you, princess, if you simply have the courage to ask. Do you understand?”
Biting her lip, Kitiara nodded.
“Well, then. Good.” She took up the glue-pot in one hand. “Do you want me to help you?”
Another nod.
“Then let’s begin.”
That conversation, in many ways, was the beginning of th
