"Do you know why the king has so many mistresses coming and going?" she asked. "Some he likes enough to stay, some he doesn't?"
"I'm assuming you are about to tell me."
Theodora gave a small smile. "Because I am meant to be obeyed. All of his women should do as I say, and they enjoy His Highness just a little bit more. But when they don't, I merely offer him another beautiful woman, someone else to sway his attention."
Madeleine said nothing, but Sophie saw her fingers tighten in the bedclothes.
"Lady Bella learnt fast," Theodora continued. "See how much power she has now? You think she would bear a child if I didn't want her to? Nothing happens in this palace without my say so. I think its best you understand that."
Madeleine lifted her chin. "Your Grace," she said, her tone so even that Sophie flinched at how dangerous it sounded, "who holds more power in this palace? The queen or the queen mother?"
"And you will not become queen without my say so, Madeleine."
