One drop every day

It's hot outside. Thankfully, the Empress Grandmother invited me over to have some cold tea together.

She has some delicious recipes for tea, I have to admit it. And mouth-watering snacks. I'd move here if only it wasn't so far from Alexander's chamber.

«I haven't talked like this with anyone for years,» the elder sighs. «You're the first one I tell that I am not that crazy.»

Well, pretending to be a madwoman is a whole new level of crazy. I'm impressed she didn't get used to the role as much as to believe in it.

«I'm honoured, your majesty,» I reply.

«Once, I considered telling Alexander. But then, I saw in his eyes part of that same light that was in my son's before he turned completely crazy. Maybe, it's a family trait.»

Oh, my Duke is crazy, indeed. But he's not dangerous. He has everything under control.

«I'm sure my husband wouldn't have done any ill to you.»