"We will present ourselves as willing to do whatever it takes to ensure peace between our nations. But in reality, we will be pleasing ourselves. You will be very much liked in Cozique, where we appreciate clever and insightful men. You will not be shocked by my behavior and I certainly will not be shocked by yours. I cannot see a single impediment."
"But he—he will not love you," Liramelli said hesitantly.
Melissande waved this away. "No, but he will like me, and I will like him, which matters a great deal in marriages such as these," she replied. "More than love, perhaps."
