“You undermine my authority.” “I assert my authority.” “You will make me look bad before the highprinces.” “I learned long ago, Gavilar,” she said, “queen or not, I can’t make you into anything. If you look bad before anyone, it’s merely because I’ve pulled the curtains back.” He growled, then raised his hand. “Ah,” she said. “But he never hit me. If he does now, it will break the illusion, won’t it?” He huffed, then spun, turning away from her.
