"This is planet Mercury," she says, each word firm and clear, as if she was never once the shy girl who would have softly given her visitor a warm welcome.

"I have no intention of ceding even one bit of authority to you." The cold warning is more than pride. It's a clear message that something is very wrong here, that the princess is not welcome here, but tolerated at best.

"However," the whim turns up the corners of her mouth, "As long as you obey me, you can stay without us fighting yet. Alright?"