Summer 964 MC
Gerald opened the door, only to be greeted by a loud bark. Queen Anna, the ruler of Merceria, sat on a chair as her personal maid, Sophie, arranged her hair.
"Come in, Gerald," Anna said, her back to the door.
"How did you know it was me?"
"Tempus," she said, "need I say more?"
The huge mastiff rose from his position beside her, trotting over to him for a pet.
He scratched the great beast"s head. "I hope I"m not interrupting?"
"You could never interrupt," she replied. "Come in and sit down. Sophie is experimenting with my hair."
Gerald moved closer, examining the ornately arranged blonde locks.
"You have a gift, Sophie," he said.
"Thank you, Gerald," the young maid replied.
"Well?" said Anna. "What do you think?"
"I think it looks very pretty," he remarked. "Is th
