Burke shook his head. "No. We'll not risk your pretty neck on the kind of thing I need to do."
"To walk with a god can bring no risk, my lord."
"That's just the trouble, princess," Burke acknowledged ruefully. "You see, you were right. I'm a man, not a god."
"Then all the more reason for me to stay with you."
"There's no use arguing. It's settled."
A small foot, stamping. "Lord Dion, I shall go!"
"Sorry, princess." Burke smiled bleakly. "I'll see you at your quarters later. Meanwhile...."
He struck quick and hard, straight to her jaw, then gently stretched her limp form on the floor....