"No, I suspect not. Else, I would offer my home far more eagerly. My husband would have been happy to have such a beautiful singer. You would be cherished there. You would have rooms of your own in a palace, and I could give you your own stipend."

She gives her shoulder a squeeze on the shoulder. The sigh, wistful, it is easier when she ruled, there was no middle man, that way. None of this arranging.

"But as it stands, I would still be happy to have you. Miserable as it is, I know you have strength enough to withstand it."