"That's the ex-queen," she informed him. "She's getting ready to move to the apartments of the temple priestess."
"She doesn't seem unhappy at her approaching bereavement," said Jaro.
Joan sniffed. "Not likely."
"I'm going in to talk to her," said Jaro.
"Are you crazy?" cried Joan in alarm. She tugged at him arm, but he was already pulling back the secret entrance.
The queen had her back to them. Jaro closed the entrance, coughed discreetly. The girl spun around, her hand to her mouth.
"How should I address her?" He whispered over his shoulder.
"I don't think you need bother with formalities," observed Joan in a bitter voice, "not after your entrance."
The queen said, "You are an Earthman."