"Right," he said, rubbing a hand over his face. "Now may I have Stephen, Mother?"
"Of course, Your Highness," she replied.
Then she swept out of the chamber with her usual regal force. In the corridor outside, she found Stephen precisely where he had remained after he had hurried to get her.
Stephen bowed at once.
"You will hear me clearly," she said. "The princess is never again to enter the king's chamber without my knowledge. I do not care whether she arrives in tears, or under threat of international incident. You inform me first."
Stephen kept his eyes lowered. "Yes, Your Grace."
"And if she attempts to sweep past you again?"
"I shall… endeavor more firmly to delay her, Your Grace."
"Good. See that you do."
With that, she moved away down the corridor. Stephen exhaled only after she had gone.
Then, composing himself as best he could, he turned and entered the king's chamber.
Stephen bowed. "Good morning, Your Highness. Shall I summon the maids?"
