After her summons to the royal chambers, Denys stood in the doorway waiting for the queen. Elizabeth swept down the corridor, her crimson veil billowing out behind her, looking as if she rose from the flames of hell. The servitors scurried away. Alone, she and Denys faced each other.
“I shall come back later, Aunt Bess.” Denys turned to leave.
“Stay right here!” the queen thundered. So Denys obeyed. It was better to be abased here then before the entire court.
“Thief!” she shrieked, her face blotched with rage, her eyes spitting sparks of fury. “You broke into my trunk and went through my letters!”
“I know not of what you speak!” Denys shot back, this accusation flooring her. She stumbled backward. “I never broke into anything.”
“You broke into my private trunks, searched through my l
