Lady Chiselwitz tried to keep her focus on the cup of tea in Queen Pirouette’s outstretched hand, but it was difficult to ignore the Queen’s beautiful face. Her smile was positively benevolent and her eyes conveyed a level of kindness and understanding bordering on saintliness.

For all I know, she could be poisoning me, thought her ladyship. Who would blame her?

“Was I correct in putting a dollop of milk in your tea, my dear?” Asked the Queen of her guest. “Did I recollect correctly how you take your tea?” There wasn’t even a hint of malice in Her Majesty’s voice.

“It’s delicious, Your Majesty,” murmured Lady Chiselwitz. “Perfect.” Does she know the truth? She asked herself of the Queen.