"It was he who came to talk to me, mistress," said Tika; "and in the space of a few moments he told me very strange things."
"What did he tell you?"
"Must I repeat his words? you will not be angry?"
"I don't know; but speak."
"Well, he said that you were the jailer, and he was your prisoner."
"What do you mean?"
"That the Prince of Tosa loves Fatkoura, and that if she is skilful, she can make him obey her every whim."
"I despise him too much to heed whether he loves or hates me?" said Fatkoura, turning away her head.
"He is not so contemptible," said Tika; "he is a very powerful and very illustrious prince."
"Can you speak in such terms of our mortal enemy, Tika?" said Fatkoura, looking at her severely.