"Why nonsense?"
"Because I cannot be anybody's concubine: priestesses of the Mother are perpetual virgins. And, besides it's a matter of taste. His Highness ... may I speak the truth, you won't be angry?"
"No, speak."
"His Highness is very nice, but I don't like him at all."
Ankhi looked at her, heaved a deep sigh, as a person suddenly relieved of violent pain, and whispered:
"Is it true?"
"Why, look into my eyes, don't you see it is true?"
Ankhi looked straight into her eyes; then turned away and buried her face in her hands; her thin shoulders quivered and all her body trembled with silent sobs.
Dio moved up to her and putting her arms round her pressed the girl's long shaven head—the royal marrow—to her bosom.
"Don't you believe me?"