Josie’s eyes traveled to the side. I realized she was confused.
“The Prince,” I said.
“Oh.”
“Do you not think that’s strange?” I asked. She made a circle with her lips but said nothing. “Do speak, would you? It’s all I can think about.”
“I suppose…” Josie’s voice trailed. “I suppose it is strange if you feel it is strange, Your Highness,” she replied.
“I’ma horse,” I told her. She glanced at me. “Symbolically,” I added.
“I see.” She bobbed her head. “Then you are worried of the correlation to his preferences?” she asked.
“No,” I said. “Yes? I don’t know. What do you think I should think?”
She moved toward the bed and unlatched one of the trunks to retrieve a pair of my shoes. Then she went and put them at the foot of the wardrobe along the back.
“Do you think I should be concerned?” I asked her. “He’ssohandsome; I knew there had to be something wrong with him.”
Josie repeated her task.
“Will youpleasegive me an answer here?” I asked.
She stopped. “Do you call upon my honesty, miss, or my generosity?” she asked.
I frowned. “Why are they different?”
She shrugged. “I do not seek to offend you.”
“You’re not going to offend me; I asked for your opinion,” I said.
She nodded. “Yes, you did.”
“Then give it,” I said back. “Tell me. Is it strange that the man I am to marry does not like horses?”
“It’s a little strange that you care so deeply,” she replied.
I gasped. She cringed.
“You did ask!” she said.
“I don’t think I’m wrong,” I declared. “I think it’s very strange! Who doesn’t like horses?”
“Many people, Your Highness,” she said.
“I don’t know of any,” I said.
“I think the better question is not if it is strange, but rather, if it is strange for you?” she asked.
“Yes,” I said. “I said that.”
“I’m sure His Highness has many facts that outshine this one flaw,” she said. “The Prince is quite handsome, as you stated.”
“Yes, he is,” I told her. “But–”
“Perhaps we should consider whatotherqualities His Highness has?” she said.
“Other qualities?”
