“A revolution is imminent, and if Gatrina is in the city when it breaks out, she will be involved. The King has been told he must abdicate, and a conflict between him and the army is now certain. She must be got to a place of safety.”
“Why do you come to me?”
“Because you can prevail with her.”
“On the contrary, you have made that impossible. You know how—by the false tale you told before the Queen.”
“It can be contradicted. I will contradict it if you agree.”
“Agree to what?”
“To unite with us in saving her to take the Throne.”
“You mean to marry the Duke Barinski?”
“I mean, first, to save her life. This is no time to think of any personal ends. She is necessary to the country.”
“She has no chance of succeeding to the Throne. I know that. I know what is to be done.”