"Yes, there will be other kings. I am sorry. What young girl has not her dream of romance? But princesses must not have romances. Yours, my child, must be a political marriage. It is a harsh decree."
"Have not princesses married commoners?"
"Never wisely. Your highness will not make a mistake like that."
"My highness will or will not marry, as she pleases. Am I a chattel, that I am to be offered across this frontier or that?"
The chancellor moved uneasily. "If your highness loved out of your class, which I know you do not, I should be worried."
"And if I did?" with a rebel tilt to her chin.
"Till that moment arrives I shall not borrow trouble. You will, then, tell the duke that you have changed your mind, that you have reconsidered?"
"This evening. Now, godfather, you may kiss her serene highness on the forehead."
"This honor to me?" The chancellor trembled.
"Even so."