For one moment Amia's beautiful eyes came alive with a flash of brilliance quite close to anger.
"You are taking far too much on yourself, Prest. You have no claim to make on my behavior. Our leader can chastise me if he so desires - not that it would do any good if I did not choose to follow him. I tire of these tantrums. Whatever I did to cause Clent to turn on me, I have paid for, many times over. You can quit punishing me for my sins. I refuse to tolerate it any longer."
"Is that what you think, Amia? That I blame you for Clent's behavior?" Prest rubbed his forehead thoughtfully.
"What am I saying? Of course you think that. I have been in your mind and have read the guilt you feel. But do not reflect such thoughts back on me, Amia. I live to protect you, that is all. And I will do so despite your harsh judgments of my capabilities. It is my duty and my right."
