The very thought made Nila shudder. "Impossible," she agreed. "He's the most frightening man I've ever met. I don't understand how Queen Asabel can have him so near to her, whilst being so calm… I suppose she is quite a frightening woman too, now that I say it. She's so kind, I feel like she could drown me if she wished to."
"She does have that effect," Oliver said. "But she's a fierce woman at times as well. Maybe one day you'll see that side of her."
"It would be a privilege…" Nila said. "But I wonder if I would get the chance to see her again? I'm so small in comparison to her. I doubt she has any interest in me at all. Besides, I'm just a peasant. It's even strange for a noble like you to meet with her."
"I think at most she's only a head taller than you," Oliver said.
"You know that isn't what I meant…" Nila sighed. "Must it be so difficult to have a serious conversation with you?"