“What I have proposed is the only way.”
“You may think so. I will find another. I do not trust either you or your employers. You can help me by undoing what you have done and telling her the truth—by that means you can aid in saving her life. But with your help or without, I will find the means.”
“You are very bitter against me.”
“I speak the truth and the truth may well have a bitter sound.”
“If you refuse me, the responsibility for what may occur will be yours.”
“Will you go to her and admit the falsehood?”
“If you agree to my terms. Not otherwise.”
“That was the answer I expected,” I said as I rose.
She made a gesture of impatient dissent. “You make things so difficult. We both desire the same end: the Princess’s safety; and yet you will not act with me to reach it.”
“You come to me, or you are sent to me, because it is thought I can now be of some use as a decoy. I have no fancy for the part. I do not trust you or those behind you.”