Watkins nodded. "I understand, Excellency. But I'll pray for it anyway."
"I'd appreciate that. Something else I was told was that piety was crucial—spread the word, would you?"
"Of course." Watkins hesitated. "What about—what you just said, that you'll have to face Shayan yourself?"
Cortin shrugged. "If it had to be kept secret, I wouldn't have been able to say anything about it. Say what you want." She took a deep breath. "I'd rather not think about it any more right now, though, so would you mind if we change the subject? This breakfast looks and smells too good to spoil with that sort of discussion."
"As you say, Excellency." Watkins thought for a moment, then cocked his head. "I've heard Your Excellency is fond of animals?"
"Yes—why?"
"Because I have some six-week-old kittens I'm trying to find homes for. They aren't purebred, though."
"Neither am I," Cortin said. "Yes, I'd like one—two, if that isn't being greedy."
"Two is fine. Whenever you have time to come by and pick them out."
"How about as soon as we're done here?"