23

"'Tis a fine thing to see you so excited," she says later, pressed up against you in her cot.

"'Tis a fine thing to be excited thus; I was lonely out on tour."

She slaps your shoulder playfully. "About your time coming up with the Royals. You'll be using your talents for an audience with more titles than a library. What an opportunity for a fancy fool like you!"

"An opportunity to put my foot in it, you mean," you say.

"Come now, you're of stouter stuff than that. I know enough about you to see you've high notions for yourself." She gives you a peck on the cheek. "Be content, luv. You're getting what you want."

Her confidence in you is comforting. The night is late and she's long asleep before you finally close your eyes and put your own thoughts to rest.

A Grand Arrival