She pointed out her plight, and that we could halt no longer between two opinions, who must either fight or yield.

For herself she said she did not care, since, although she was young and their ruler, she set no store upon her life, and would give it up gladly rather than be driven into a marriage which she considered shameful, and forced to pass beneath the yoke of traitors.
But for us foreigners she did care.

We had come to her country at her invitation, we had served her nobly, one of us had given his life to protect her person, and now, in violation of her safeguard and that of the Council, we were threatened with a dreadful death.

Were they, her subjects, so lacking in honour and hospitality that they would suffer such a thing with no blow struck to save us?
Now the majority of them shouted "No," but some were silent, and one old captain advanced, saluted, and spoke.
"Child of Kings," he said, "let us search out the truth of this matter.
Is it not because of your love of the foreign soldier, Orme, that all this trouble has arisen?
Is not that love unlawful according to our law, and are you not solemnly affianced to the Prince Joshua ?" Maqueda considered awhile before she replied, and said slowly: "Friend, my heart is my own, therefore upon this point answer your question for yourself.

As regards my uncle Joshua, if there existed any abiding contract between us it was broken when a few nights ago he sent his servants armed to attack and drag me off I know not whither.