Madeline took a breath. She nodded once. She looked at Duncan and spoke. 
"Of course. That is but one of your duties to her majesty."
She listened as he spoke about his doubts. She had some of her own but was afraid to voice them aloud. 
"We can only hope that they treat her with respect and with proper care, should any of them be given the chance."
She frowned and sighed. She felt great unhappiness at the thought of the princess being unhappy, hurt, or both. Madeline took another breath before saying another word. 
"Are you...concerned...for her majesty?"