“You wanted to be a heroine to your people,” Royce concluded, smiling at a motivation he could readily understand. She shook her head, the wistful yearning in her soft voice banishing his smile. “Nay. I wanted only to be loved by those whom I love; to be looked upon and not found wanting by those who know me.” “And that’s all you wanted?” She nodded, her beautiful profile solemn. “And so I invented a kingdom of dreams where I could accomplish great and daring deeds to make it happen.”
