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Queen Lenora steps closer "I was your age once Though I’, and full of hope and beauty, and foolish faith You believe love can fix everything Cure any ill" She shakes her head, looking in h I had different aspirations for you, you have made your choice I wish you well, truly--I hope you and your guard find every happiness"

The Queen walks stiffly back behind her desk

"But, Ellie, if you think things will be easy now, that the two of you will simply ride off into the sunset unaffected by the realities of your situationyou should prepare to be mistaken"

I SIT IN THE ANTIQUE chair outside the Queen’s office, waiting for Ellie Across from me at his desk is Christopher, Her Majesty’s personal secretary He’s solid--a big fucker--long reach It gets ? Boxing? That sort of thing"

He adjusts his glasses "I fence"

Fencing I could ith that

The phone on his desk rings

"Yes? Yes, right away" He looks to me "Winston would like a word"

I hook my thumb at the door "Tell Ellie I’ll see her back in her rooms when she’s done here" Then, as I pass his desk, I add, "We should chat--about training You’re the Queen’s secretary; you’re with her all the tiood for you to kno to handle yourself I could show you a few things"

He thinks it overand then he nods

Down in Winston’s office, I find hi over the security detail for the wedding Since I’er privy to that inforh the door

"You wanted a word?"

Winston’s flat eyes and blank expression turn ned a detail to your house as well as a car and a driver for you and Miss Hammond to

"Why?"

"In the short ter term, they’ll protect you and Miss Hammond The car and the driver as well"

"I don’t want a bloody detail around my house"

"I’m not concerned hat you want, St Jah Because protocol is for aristocrats--not for fucking me

"I’ll handle the press And I can protect Ellie just fine"

The thing that’s so eerie about Winston--he has alet upset or frustrated; he doesn’t argue He’s like the Ter, s his way

"No, you can’t That’s the point"

One of the newer guys--a bulky, big-mouthed sod--speaks up fro to us, St Jaolden ticket happy"