“That would be madness indeed,” he said. “If the idea of becoming the property of the King’s son is so distasteful to your feelings, you may avoid it in a more pleasant way than by mangling that beautiful figure of yours by such a nasty fall.”
“How?” she queried eagerly.
“By escaping.”
“Escaping!” she echoed as she stared at the man in astonishment.
“Yes.”
“Are you mocking me? Or has your heart been softened by some pity for my miserable condition?”
“I am not mocking you.”
“Then do you offer me escape?”
“Yes.”