Kat Ashley stands in the doorway. Drawing my warm gown closer around me, I motion for her to close the door. She stands with her hands akimbo and shakes her head, then remembers to curtsy. I pull a face and smile. She is closer to me than any, so I forgive her lapses. It must be hard to make suitable obeisance to the baby you used to dandle on your lap. ‘Still awake, Your Majesty, at this late hour?’ ‘As you see, but I am surprised to see you similarly affected.’ She has the grace to blush a little. ‘I was asleep, I confess it, but awoke gratefully from fearful dreams; this place has crept into my soul and disturbs it.’ Kat looks about her and shivers. Her memories of this place are not good ones – nor, indeed, are mine. She shakes her head, as if to rid herself of her gloomy thoughts, and turns her attention to me. ‘’Tis to avoid dreams such as those that you remain wakeful, I’ll be bound. But you will be exhausted on the morrow and it will be taxing.
