Vasilia’s response was a single, raised eyebrow. “Charming. You share his wit, too.” She did not stretch herself out. She did not puff herself up. Today, what you saw was what you got, and if you were uncomfortable to be in her presence, then that was entirely your own problem. 

...[i]one[/i] of your own problems, as the case may be. 

“Just listen to yourself; the two of you read from the same script. ‘So sorry her highness involved you in her stupid misadventure. Her highness needs to be tied and gagged for her own safety. Her highness is a silly little girl who doesn’t know what’s best for her.’” The high-pitched imitation voice wasn’t strictly necessary, but it was polite to make clear when you were quoting someone. “What, pray tell, is best for her? Only the Admiral, only the Empress, only the people more important than you know that. And both of you will run yourselves ragged to make it so. Loyal [i]dogs,[/i] sent to fetch your princess.”

She sniffed, profoundly disgusted. “She has a name, you know. And [i]Redana[/i] can make her own decisions.”