When her head dresser had suggested the dark green gown — ‘because it sets off your eyes so beautifully, majesty’ — Florentyna had mumbled that she didn’t mind what she was attired in. The reality of having to face Darcelle with the news of their stepmother was now feeling like the heaviest of burdens. Florentyna blinked. ‘Pardon?’ she said, realising Sharley had spoken to her. ‘Are you all right, majesty?’ ‘Yes, I am. Please don’t worry. I’m thinking about this evening and how we’re going to get through it without showing the scars of Morgravia’s troubles.’ Sharley smiled with relief. ‘I stole a glimpse of King Tamas and Princess Darcelle when they arrived, your majesty. He is such a handsome man. I thought he was going to be old and …’ The queen looked at her in query. ‘Well, I thought when they said he was into his fourth decade that he’d be —’ ‘Hobbling? Withered? Hard of hearing?’ Sharley giggled. ‘Forgive me, majesty. I did think it sounded old, but King Tamas is the talk of the palace.
