"Oh, but you mustn't be so humble!" she protests. "You're a leader of your people, a public servant and a symbol of their hopes and good order. You are more deserving, because your life is spent in service, and because when people see that you are safe and well, it makes them feel safe and well."

"I understand," she adds quickly, "that your world doesn't have magic, and it would be hard to explain. But you deserve it, at least."