>>18842605>[The Queen smiles wide, almost incredulous at the audacity of this woman. Victoria holds out a single hand, fingers splayed, indicting the number 'five'.]“Doh ho ho, Miss Durango, you are quite bold. I dare say... I like you. Too often powerful women shrink in my presence. I can count now only five now that have not, and you are the fifth. Sit, and I will assuage your petty fears, child.”
>[Unbroken eye contact.]“I will not help... anyone. I learned a long time ago that if you want something done in this world, you must do it yourself. And if your hands are then stained permanently, you will deal with it in your own way. The Farmer Girl learned that, and she earned my respect by trying to take it herself; meaningless if given unearned. I dare say, Miss Durango, that I admire your conviction to aid Mister Dog. There is no ill-will between us, but there is no allegiance. If you want something, you must do as Miss Castro did, and do something to take it. My money, my power, this Castle, my Crown, my status, my Kingdom, my family” --
>[The Queen stands and walks over to Raquel -- she was right, they are roughly the same height -- and leans forward as if to tell a juvenile secret.][4/5]
