I broke open the fruit and began to pluck out the delicious seeds. Ince ought to have something to eat but I knew she would not, now, and to reiterate my invitation which she would only hear as my admonition would be unproductive. The black seeds were as shiny as if they had been dipped in oil. It was the perfect moment to devour this fruit and I was enjoying it. "Who is that other woman, rider? 1 of the consorts?"
        Ince nodded before adding, "Prime. She has been Prime for many years. As long as I can remember. I don't know how she endures it."
        I almost smiled at the undiluted perplexity in Ince's voice but cut it by sticking another seed quickly into my mouth. "You care for her."
        "I respect her."
        It was more than that. Ince did care for her, perhaps even loved her, and certainly honored her with a cherishing I had never seen in her. The gentleness with which she had stepped to Vryyh I had never witnessed in Ince, not once in our time together, and she did not want me to see it. I still was not sure why she had let me come but something more than words had passed between Ince and Gallett. In some way, I think, Gallett had made Ince feel she owed us this. Gallett had indicated it was her duty though as she was no longer in service Ince owed us none. But Ince, being Ince, of course did not agree. "And you know her?"