Quintus heard the heavy sigh. He understood her feelings.
"I thought she might settle down at last, but now she's set on a bear. And from a commoner, of all people. It's beyond improper. I'd almost prefer if it were actually a real bear. Camilla never listens to me. She's stubborn and pigheaded, just like you, brother. Why did she have to take after you in that way?"
No need to point that out, he thought wryly. She's the very image of you, Henrietta.
"You're her superior, Quintus. Say something to that 'bear.' Order him away. If that man backs off, perhaps Camilla will give up."
Quintus smiled inwardly at her straightforwardness and tried to measure his answer carefully. He could see the image she painted: the Prime Minister whose stern in council brought to his knees by his headstrong daughter's pleas.
Henrietta was right, the Prime Minister was clever in statecraft but soft for his child.
"Well," he said calmly, "I was actually thinking of doing just that."
"Eh?"
