My dear, why send Aly to wait on us?” he wanted to know…
““My dear, why send Aly to wait on us?” he wanted to know. “I know you were busy with your domestic arrangements, but surely one of the girls with experience waiting on the nobility would have served.”He smiled kindly at Aly. “Though you did a creditable job.” “Aly isn’t used to Bronau as we are, my dear,” Winnamine explained. “She might see what would be hidden to us. And she has certain useful skills.” “Useful?”Mequen asked, raising his brows at Aly.“I read lips, Your Grace,” Aly said meekly. “And I can tell you that the prince is telling the truth about why he came.” “What? How could you possibly know that?” the startled duke demanded. “Liars blink more when they lie, or they look away while they answer,” Aly explained. She did not want anyone to know about her Sight if she could help it. Only a fool told all of her secrets. “The prince is frightened.” She looked at the duke. “Did you see he was sweating when he talked about the situation at court?” Mequen raised his eyebrows. “All of us sweat when we think of the royal court,” he said drily. “I am so accustomed to it that I didn’t even notice. Truly, the god blessed us when he sent you.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Aly uses her secret skill of lip‑reading to uncover truth, showing hidden talents can reveal deception.
In simple terms: Aly’s hidden ability helps expose lies.
Key Takeaway
Value and protect unique abilities.
Themes
secrets
truth
perception
court intrigue
Mood
suspense
intrigue
Type
fantasy
dialogue
When to use this quote
- court negotiations
- detective work
- personal skill development
Key Concepts
lip‑reading
trust
political intrigue
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you use a hidden talent responsibly?
- What are the dangers of revealing secrets?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on secret skills can be risky.