"Darius," she said, visibly pulling herself together, drying her eyes, squaring her shoulders, so that he could see that she was trying so hard to be brave.  "If I believed that you were the answer to my wish, I would sing all the hymns I knew to Sun and Moon in thanks.  I was always ashamed to say so, but I feel strangely at ease now; I always thought. . .that is to say. . .when I was. . .younger. . .I thought you were so very handsome.  I saw you joust once, at tourney, and you looked like a bright, beautiful heron in your armor; so quick and deadly!<br/><br/>She took a drink of water, smiling slightly, as if reliving that fond memory, while inwardly she groaned.<em>This is so simpering.  He's laughing at me inside, grandfather.</em><br/><br/>"But Sir. . .you are only too right.  You serve the Guard, the Crown.  And my Father wears the Crown, and commands the guard.  You imply disparity where none exists.  You could not. . .be mine."