Riley froze. She couldn't admit it. She couldn't bring herself to confess that she had been reduced to begging children for food.
The shame would be unbearable!
But before she could formulate a denial, Nella answered for her.
"Don't bother asking her, Evil Hero. She'll never admit it! She's far too embarrassed to ask you for favors directly!"
"Nella!" Riley's voice cracked with indignation.
"Come now, Big Sis. We both know I'm right."
Nella pressed on, adopting an irritatingly adult tone.
"You act as though you never wanted anything, but I saw the way you were eyeing my apple. You were practically drooling."
She turned toward Luca with a magnanimous gesture.
"But it's alright. As your niece, I'll help you out! I'll ask for apples on your behalf!"
The other centaurs stirred with sudden interest.
They too had been wondering whether to approach Luca for some of that mysterious fruit, but the shame of asking the enemy for favors had held them back.
