For one wild instant while he spoke he thought her about to answer word for word. For she smiled. The thing started in her eyes and spread in a slow, divine wonder to her lips. Then, she sprang swiftly to her feet and faced him tensely erect, both voice and figure vibrant as she cried: "Stop! Jasor of Nodhur, you forget yourself. Think you so lightly of my plighted word, that you dare to address me thus? To Cathur I am pledged. To a maid of Tamarizia--or a woman of my house, and to all the courts of our nation that promise is sacred, not to be broken or put aside, save by an act of Zitu himself--save it be broken by death." Croft had risen, too. "An act of Zitu," he said as she paused. "And may not my coming to Aphur in itself be an answer to your prayer for deliverance from the embraces of Cathur's unworthy heir?" "My prayer?" Some of the resentful tension left Naia's form. "What know you--" "I know much," Croft cut her short. "Am I dull of comprehension not to sense the name of her who prayed to Zitu in her travail? And what should wring such prayers from your flower-sweet breast, save that defilement it is planned to bring about, to add to Aphur's strength?" Once more she flamed before him. "Were I to speak your words to Lakkon or to Jadgor, it would mean your death," she hissed. "Then speak them--if you wish, beloved." Croft smiled. As quickly as she had threatened, she drooped now at his words. Something akin to fear came into her eyes. "Who are you--" she began in the voice of a child. "One who loves you," said Croft. "Who has loved you always--who always will. One whom you love--" "Hold!" Once more she checked him. But he shook his head. "What need of the sacrifice--when I shall give Aphur and all Tamarizia that strength they would purchase now with you?" "Yet for that strength your price would be the same." "Nay--" Croft denied, "unless it were paid gladly." "And if it were not?" "Still would I give Tamarizia strength." Suddenly Naia of Aphur smiled. To Croft it seemed that she was well pleased with his answer. But barely had her lips parted as though for some further reply, than the Mazzerian passed toward the outer doors of the court. The princess's whole expression altered. "My father comes, I cannot speak further concerning this matter now. Did he dream of our discussion, there would be no bounds to his wrath. Did he know that I could consider such things, Zitu himself might not quench his rage." "Yet will you consider them, my Naia. You will give me an answer." "Later," she told him quickly. "I--we may not discuss it further now--my lord." CHAPTER XVI THE WOMAN'S ANSWER