CHAPTER 23
Queen Sarah wore practical clothing. The royal garments restricted movement and made the young ruler feel somewhat claustrophobic and ancient. She preferred black trousers with leggings and a white tunic. She doubted her father would have approved. Since he was dead, and she was queen—one of the queens, anyway—it didn’t matter. By the window she held a small doll in each hand. She bounced them along, changing her voice as each spoke.
“Your highness, you are doing a most wonderful job ruling the kingdom.”
“That is kind of you to say. I appreciate—”
A knock at the door startled her. She turned and whipped the dolls across the room, into a corner. “Enter!”
Axel pushed the door open.
“Have a seat,” she said. She then paced the length of the Long Room in a casual manner, but ma
