If you are, then, his citizenship determines yours."
She gave Courtney a sarcastic smile, and addressed the King.
"Will Your Majesty tell me wherein the Valerian doctrine differs from
the American?" she asked.
"It is precisely similar," said Frederick.
She leaned forward. "Then, though not an Archduchess, I am,
nevertheless, a subject of Your Majesty," she said.
The King frowned. "My dear madame," he said, "questions of citizenship
are not presented to me, originally. They are passed upon by the
proper Department of my Government and reach me, only, in case of
peculiarly extraordinary circumstances."
She arose, and went close over to the King.
"Your Majesty has heard me appeal for protection to the Ambassador of
my native land and be refused, because I was no longer an American
citizen," she began. "And you, yourself, have practically admitted he
was correct, and that I am a Valerian subject. Therefore, I demand
that freedom of action which is granted to all your citizens, and that
the order of the Governor of Dornlitz be revoked."
Frederick looked at her sternly for a moment.
"Pray be seated, madame," he said; "and permit me to observe that, if
you are my subject, your manner of address is scarcely respectful to
your King.
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