"I am indeed relieved to have you interpret the Law in this way,"
declared Tourmaline. "I knew it was cruel to throw these poor people
over the edge, but that seemed to us the only thing to be done."
"It was cruel and unjust," answered Polychrome as sternly as her
sweet voice could speak. "But here," she added, for she had still
continued to turn the leaves of the Great Book, "is another Law
which you have also overlooked. It says, 'The person, whether man or
woman, boy or girl, living in the Pink Country who has the lightest
skin shall be the Ruler--King or Queen--as long as he or she lives,
unless someone of a lighter skin is found, and this Ruler's commands
all the people must obey.' Do you know this Law?"
"Oh yes," replied Tourmaline. "That is why I am the Queen. You will
notice my complexion is of a lighter pink than that of any other of
my people."
"Yes," remarked Polychrome, looking at her critically, "when you
were made Queen without doubt you had the lightest-colored skin in
all the Pink Country. But now you are no longer Queen of the
Pinkies, Tourmaline."
Those assembled were so startled by this statement that they gazed
at the Rainbow's Daughter in astonishment for a time. Then
Tourmaline asked, "Why not, your Highness?"
"Because here is one lighter in color than yourself," pointed to
Trot. "This girl is, by the Law of the Great Book, the rightful
Queen of the Pinkies, and as loyal citizens you are all obliged to
obey her commands.
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