"Or perhaps they misunderstood you," Vale said. "I imagine that another noblewoman in your position would only have been doing it to make sure that others saw her do it. Perhaps they thought you to be the same. False kindness is everywhere, Princess – it's only natural that those that do not know you would doubt it."
Tears were in Penelope's eyes. "It just can't be… I refuse to believe it… If it's true – then it's my fault for giving her away over to them."
"They would have snatched her up anyway," Vol said, putting a large hand over Penelope's eyes, and gruffly steering her head away. "Whether it's her or not, doesn't matter. You tried, didn't you? None of the rest of us felt like trying. None of those Syndrans tried either."
