After a time he turned his head to look at Strick from pale blue eyes. “Your efforts and actions were understandable,” Strick said just as quietly. “And with Lord Abadas as well. The man is surely here to keep an eye on you for his cousin, isn’t he. After all, you’re half-brother to . . . Emperor Theron’s predecessor in the imperial chair.”
Kadakithis shook his head. “No, Strick; I have come to like this town, both from sympathy and feeling a part of it. If I’m to amount to anyth- if I’m to help these people in anything approaching the way you have, I’ll need . . .” The Prince-Governor broke off in embarrassment.
Strick didn’t need to hear the words. “I like Sanctuary and its sorely stressed people, too, lord Prince, and … I must help, I have no choice.”
“I have heard that mysteriousness before, Spellmaster, but I will not pry. I believe you. If it is pain, then I am sorry. Both of us know pain.”
“And so am I sorry, lord Prince, so am I. Now I must warn my lord Prince about the Price.”
Kadakithis nodded. “Naturally I have heard about that, too- I want that help you’ve given so many others, Strick.”
“The Price is the Price, Prince Kadakithis. It is beyond my control. Sometimes it is severe and sometimes it is readily bearable. I have no control over it.”
“I know these things, Strick. I said I want that help you’ve given so many others. While I am called Kittycat, you are being called Hero of the People. Is a prince of the people not a person? Shall a prince be treated as less? Shall a prince be fearful of the Price? I know about it, Strick. Must a prince cajole?”