Juliette did not know how to react at first—she had been certain she would receive a yes or no answer. Maybe Olivia was trying to think of a way to let her down gently? The princess began walking toward her room with Olivia. If she was rejected, she would certainly want to be alone. And if not, that would still be her destination.<br/><br/>“I want you to know, I haven’t asked this of you so suddenly out of recklessness. Or at least, not only recklessness,” she admitted. “Once, when I was seventeen, I had a strong infatuation with another woman in my squad. I agonized for weeks over whether I should say something. But then she was killed in a skirmish with the Aserit... I decided from then on that, if I ever felt such intense passion again, I would not senselessly deny that feeling.<br/><br/>“And I want you to know, even if my desire for you isn’t reciprocated, I would still wish to know you better. I’m sure we would have so much to say over the late king’s writings and of course this wonderful gift.” She indicated the book. “I consider intellectual pursuits to be among the most important qualities that define us as people, and I would regret missing the chance to understand what drives your curiosity and how you view the world.”