But Sir Alured said:
‘Nay, your Majesty, you have the right to call me what you will, for I am always your humble vassal.’
‘My ally, you should say, your Majesty.’
‘I am always your servant, not your ally, your Majesty.’
‘Then I fear you will soon be the vassal of a queen without a kingdom; and if this Merrymineral prevail over me, I fear he will punish you for having aided me.’
But the Prince said:
‘All is not yet lost, your Majesty, and whatever happens your Majesty will always have a protector while I am alive.’
The Princess smiled.
‘Ah! you mean the cherished Owl. You will always protect me, won’t you, Owl?’ she said, looking up at the Owl who was seated again on her shoulder. And the Owl nodded his head.