Zita was so astonished at the question that for a moment she only looked at the King in a bewildered fashion before she understood exactly what he was implying.
Then, as she was aware that what he was saying classed her with La Belle and the other women with whom he was rumoured to associate, her chin went up defiantly.
“As I consider what you have said offensive, Your Majesty,” she said coldly, “I will leave you.”
She would have turned Pegasus round, but, as she did so, the King with a swift movement bent forward to catch hold of his bridle.
Surprised, the horse reared, but the King did not relinquish his hold.
He only said,
“You cannot leave me. I want to talk to you.”
“I am not certain that I wish to talk to Your Majesty!”
Then, as Zita spoke, her eyes met his and she recognised
