She picked it up and the gypsy said,
“Keep it carefully, Gracious Princess, it is very lucky.”
“Yes, I know,” Laetitia smiled.
“The Voivode left something else for Your Highness.”
As she spoke, the gypsy pointed and Laetitia saw lying on the bed beside her riding habit the little bundle of twigs the Voivode had not broken at the wedding.
“Thank you,” she said, trying to understand why they had been left for her.
It took only a few minutes with the gypsy’s help to change her clothes and, when she was ready, Laetitia said,
“Thank you, more than I can say. I wish I had something to give you to express my gratitude.”
“There is no need, Gracious Princess,” the gypsy woman replied. “My husband has told me of the King’s promise that we shall be welcome in Zvotana. No gift could match what
