Peter shrunk under the Queen's stare. From the look on her face and the tone of her voice, he could tell that she was not pleased.

He stepped away from the door, allowing her entrance into the room. He closed the door behind her, bowing once more.

"Your highness, I must apologise for the part I played in all of this. I should have adviced his grace against it. We should never have brought her here."

Madeline looked down at him. As he stood with his head bowed in humility ...