"Should we decide on educating you, I will demand absolute obedience. I repeat: absolute. If, on the other hand, you get tired of it, it will suffice for you to disobey. Then the lessons will instantly cease. Is that clear?'
Ciri nodded and cast a fleeting glance of her green eyes at the magician.
'Secondly,' continued Yennefer, unpacking her saddle-bags, '1 will demand absolute sincerity. You will not be allowed to hide anything from me. Anything. So if you feel you have had enough, it will suffice for you to lie, pretend, feign or close in on yourself. If I ask you something and you do not answer sincerely, that will also indicate an instant end to our lessons. Have you understood?'
'Yes,' muttered Ciri. 'And that… sincerity… Does that work both ways? Will I be able to… ask you questions?'
Yennefer looked at her and her lips twisted strangely.
'Of course,' she answered after a while. 'That goes without saying. That will be the basis of the learning and protection I aim to give you. Sincerity works both ways. You are to ask me questions. At any time. And I will answer. Sincerely.'
'Any question?'
'Any question.'
'As of now?'
'Yes. As of now.'
'What is there between you and Geralt, Lady Yennefer?'
Ciri almost fainted, horrified at her own impertinence, chilled by the silence which followed the question.
The enchantress slowly approached her, placed her hands on her shoulders, looked her in the eyes from up close – and deeply.
'Longing,' she answered gravely. 'Regret. Hope. And fear. Yes, I don't think I have omitted anything. Well, now we can get on with the tests, you little green-eyed viper....