Trystan: “We need to talk, Auritu.” ”
Auritu: “I am on my way to join the Council for an important debate, Trystan. Return after that meeting, when I shall have the time to listen to you.”

 T: “I have had to wait a week already to see you - but as Captain of the Guards and Head of Security that business with the Time Keys caused me a great deal of work, and stress. Now - this fellow who brought the beetle - you saw him even though he had no appointment; and entertained him here for three days - is that correct?”

 A “is it important?”

 T: “Indeed.. Our Lady President appears all too often to forget just to whom she is engaged.”

 A: “I have my duties as President, Trystan, just as you have yours as Captain guarding us all.”

 T: “And you saw him without a chaperone?" A; “The President of the Grand Council is entitled to receive visitors on his or her own. Or do you wish to suggest that it is only a female president who should be chaperoned? Should not a male president also be chaperoned to guard against predatory females?” T: “Don’t be absurd. And when we are married you will of course give up being President in oder to attend to your wifely duties.” 
A “Your attitude to women is rather old-fashioned, Trystan. Half the Castle guards are women, are they not? You did not approve of them being appointed, if I remember rightly. I suppose you expect me to be forever running after you with a glass of wine?”

 T: “Not at all. We will have servants, and any serving wench can fetch and carry for me.” A: “Wench, Trystan? The word is old-fashioned and often used humorously, but the manner in which you use it has long been deprecated in our society.”

 T: “Never mind that, it is of no importance. Servants are there to serve, not to be treated as equals or made a fuss of. You should be thinking of our forthcoming wedding, Auritu, and not consorting with and encouraging overly-charming travellers.”

 A: “Consorting, enouraging?”

 T: “And I have since heard that you sent him to the Council’s own tailor for a new uniform - a gift? Why, Auritu? have you no common-sense? The sooner you resign the Presidency the better. I need a wife, not a gadabout, who fawns and simpers over any rougish charmer who may come her way.” A: “Indeed, sir? Is that what you think of me? Then I am surprised you are willing to entertain the idea of marriage to such a one as I.” T: “I could do better, I suppose; but our parents have always felt we were eminently suited for each other.” A: “Let me disabuse you of some of your assumptions, sir. I have no intention of giving up the Presidency until my term of office is up, nor do I assume, like you, that it is ultimately a post more suited to a man than a woman; and what is more, I have come to the conclusion that we two have little or nothing in common with each other and that a marriage with you would be a grave and foolish mistake. And now, Captain Trystan, please return to your duties and leave me to mine. In future you will confine any discussion with me and reports to me to matters concerning your duties.” T: “Indeed! And, I suppose I will have to make an appointment now to see you, will I?” A: “As have all those who have held your post before you yes. Now go.”