QUALINA:

ahem

Hello, you must be Usagi. Welcome to our home. I'm Qualina.

USAGI:

How do you do?

QUALINA:

I couldn't help but notice your interest in that book.

USAGI:

I am not very familiar with rune magic.

QUALINA:

Runes are one of my grandson's obsessions. 

His name's Racolo. Have you met him?

USAGI:

We have met.

QUALINA:

If you'd like, you may borrow it, the book - I mean. I'm sure he won't mind.

USAGI:

I am not so sure.

QUALINA:

Then I insist.

USAGI:

Thank you. I shall enjoy studying it.

Later ...

USAGI:

… You will marry Zyfan?

PHAE:

Yes I hope so. I want to very much. I'm in love with him.

USAGI:

Love has nothing to do with marriage, not when you're to
be part of a ruling family.

PHAE:

But, don't you love Washi?

USAGI:

It was not love that brought us together. We were married to unite two 

waring nations. This is how things are done among our people.

USAGI:

I have met him and I've seen how Zyfan looks at him. This consort 

has influence over the prince. I don't believe their relationship is

limited to sex. I fear you will have your work cut out for you.

PHAE:

Everyone thinks I'm too naïve to see what Karanthir is to Zyfan but 

I know what I'm getting myself into. He will choose me for his wife

- I know he will, and I'll be proud to accept him and his consort.

USAGI:
Then I wish you well, Phae.

GRACE:

Oh hi Phae, are there any chocolate chip cookies left?

GRACE:

… Oh, who are you? How come nobody told me we had company? 

I'm Grace, yes I am and …

GRACE:

.. Io what's wrong with you? Get up. You know how Daprima hates that.

USAGI:

Rise genie. My husband no longer has power over you.

GRACE:

Excuse me but you can't be ordering my genie around. 

That's my job, yes it is, and I don't need any help.

PHAE:
Grace, this is Usagi. She's here with Washi.

GRACE:

Washi!

PHAE:

Grace please, you're being very rude ...

USAGI:

No - let her speak. She isn't wrong when she says Washi is mean. 

He can be, if it suits him. 

GRACE:

He was mean to Io, yes he was and I won't let it happen again. 

Io's my genie. Mine! And I won't give him up. Not ever.

USAGI:

You need not fear. Washi does not want the genie anymore.

GRACE:

Are you sure Washi knows that?

USAGI:

I give you my word. 

GRACE:

Did you hear that Io? She said Washi doesn't want you. I think that's good news, as long as it's true. Io's very happy here. Right Io?

GRACE:

And he's gonna be my genie forever, yes he is. Well until Daprima 

frees him - which I think is silly idea. I like having my very own genie. 

But even after he's free, he'll still be part of my family, yes he will.

PHAE:

I didn't know Daprima plans to free Io …

GRACE:

She talks about it all the time, yes she does.

USAGI:

I think it's a wonderful Idea. When will this take place?

GRACE:

She says she's just waiting till Io's ready - whatever that means. 

So Usagi, you can just tell Washi that if he tries anything

 - I'll kick him again yes I will, good and hard too.

USAGI:

Very well.

GRACE:

It was nice meeting you.

C'mon Io, maybe Herita baked a new batch of cookies.

PHAE:

I must apologize for Grace …

USAGI:

No need. So that is the girl-child who stood up to my Washi. 

She is very brave for one so young. I like her.