"I'm considering many possibilities but one of the likeliest is that I will conquer it personally and then join it to the Midlands as a member nation. If possible I'd prefer to have it ruled by someone I trust rather than take it myself, but I'm not sure yet whether that will turn out to be practical."

"Do you have anyone you trust yet?"

"I have you, but it's likely that the best place for you will be at home in your own world."

"Why would you trust me?"

"I trust you because I took you with my power, so I know that you are devoted to me, and although I don't know you very well yet I do judge you to be competent."

"Oh. Okay. No more questions for now."

Smile. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling very good, Ilsa." 

"Are you hungry? Do you have any other needs or desires at the moment?"

She hesitates. 

"I'm not hungry yet, Ilsa. I..." she falters, heat rising in her cheeks. 

Gentle smile. "It's all right. What is it?"

She hesitates another moment, then kneels at Ilsa's feet, resting her head on Ilsa's knee. 

...Ilsa smiles, and rests her hand on Jacinthe's head. "Thank you," she murmurs. "I appreciate it when my people express their preferences to me."

She melts, all the tension draining out of her. 

"Thank you," she whispers. "I was afraid you wouldn't like it." 

"I understand," she says. "I'm glad you were able to overcome that fear. Even if you ask me for something I don't want to give you, I will still be glad to know what you wanted." And she gently pets Jacinthe's hair.