Queen Ercel plucked a lone rose from the array in the path heading back to the palace. She lifted her head slowly, catching sight of the approaching lady-in-waiting.
The latter curtsied, paying respects to Queen Ercel.
"What do you have for me, Beatrice?"
Beatrice pulled a small pouch from the folds of her dress. She handed it to Queen Ercel.
"I intercepted it before it could fall into the wrong hands," Queen Ercel nodded.
"Thank you. Had you been careful?"
Beatrice nodded.
"I always am, your majesty."
Queen Ercel smiled approvingly.
"Come, I shall hide this in my room. And only you should know about it. If anyone else learns of it, I only have one person to blame," Queen Ercel warned.
Beatrice bowed, knowing the full weight of the secret she had vowed to keep with the queen.
