And all the courtiers laughed so loud and long at the King's sarcasm, that the Queen had some difficulty in making herself heard.
Then she said, "I am Eldrida, by the grace of God Queen of the Narrowlands and all the Isles."
The King really did seem a little startled.
"What in the world do you want here, then?" he said, and his red eyes glowed again.
"I want something to eat," the Queen said.
The King seemed lost in thought. "Your Majesty shall have something if——"
"If what?" the Queen asked.
"If you will marry me," the King said in a tone that was meant to be sweet; but it rather reminded the Queen of a bull she had once heard grumbling angrily.
She answered decidedly, "I shan't do anything of the sort."
The King said, "Why not?"