She smiled up at him sweetly, and then drew him aside. "If you were a telepath," she said, "how would you play poker?"
Malone thought about that for a minute, and then turned to look for
Boyd. But Sir Thomas didn't even have to be given instructions.
"Another five hundred?" he said.
Her Majesty sniffed audibly. "Another five thousand," she said regally.
Boyd looked Malonewards. Malone looked defeated.
Boyd turned with a small sigh and headed for the cashier's booth.
Three minutes later, he was back with a fat fistful of chips.
"Five grand?" Malone whispered to him.
"Ten," Boyd said. "I know when to back a winner."
Her Majesty went over to the table. The dealer had regained control, but looked up at them with a puzzled stare.
"You know," the Queen said, with an obvious attempt to put the man at his ease, "I've always wanted to visit a gambling hall."
"Sure, lady," the dealer said. "Naturally."