Page 190 of The Crown’s Temptation

She shrugged.

"He looked sad."

"He was."

“Sadness is a weakness. And weakness will not keep them safe.” She nodded toward the twins.

“And I like them.”

"I know."

She studied me. "You are less sad now."

"I am."

"Good."

The word was simple and certain.

I sat down beside her.

“What do you want?” She asked abruptly, her eyes never leaving the twins.

"I need you to go to Urasal."

She sucked thoughtfully on the sweet before looking back at the twins.

“I would not make a very good child-watcher. They are nice to look at, but I prefer creatures.” Her voice was calm, matter-of-fact.

I choked back a laugh. “I am not asking you to be their nanny.”

“Then what exactly are you asking of me?” She sighed. “People always want something. So tell me what you want.”

Before I could answer, she spoke again. "Is someone making me leave?"

"No."

"Then why?"

I hesitated. "Because there are things I have to do," I said finally. "And I would rather know you are somewhere safe while I do them."

She rolled the sweet from one side of her mouth to the other.

"I am difficult to kill."

"I know."

"And if I say no?"

"I will not force you."

She considered that.

"How long?"

"I do not know."

She sighed dramatically.