Because it was the first uncontroversial thing that came into her mind, she asked,
“Do you ever give balls at the Palace? This would be a lovely room in which to dance,”
“We do have them, but they are very formal and boring,” the King replied in a rather surly voice.
There was a pause and then he added,
“But I will soon change all that.”
“It would certainly be fun to have a ball,” Zosina said, trying to be agreeable.
“Not if the guests are all as decrepit as these creatures!” he said, looking fiercely at the people dining with them.
Zosina was about to say instinctively, ‘do be careful in case they should hear you!’ then realised it would be a rebuke which the King would undoubtedly resent.
Instead she said,
“I am sure, Sire, you have a great many young friends who would enjoy dan
