Coat pocket, Chi said. Youre welcome. She searched in the pocket of the coat- - a similar coat shed been wearing at the burial service in Prussia- - and took out a fresh out of the box new, pricey looking sets of show glasses. She didnt trouble asking Chi where or when hed got them, she just held them dependent upon her eyes and bent the concentration. There. Both of them stood confronting one another, few feet separated. Her previous selfs dark hair was hitched in an energetic bun, and her woven material dress was the pink of an orchid. She looked youthful and blameless. She was grinning at Daniel, shaking this way and that on her feet like she was anxious, keeping a close eye on him with unbounded power. Daniels eyes had a prodding search in them; a lot of round white peonies were in his arms and he was giving them out to her individually, making her snicker harder each time. Observing intently through the show glasses, Lawrence saw that their fingers won't ever contact. They

Chi could have been undetectable to the lovely young lady with corn-hued twists who was remaining in the entryway in a long cranberry-shaded outfit - yet Lawrence wasnt. At seeing somebody in the tub, the young lady raised back. Gracious, Princess Lys! Pardon me! she said in French. I was informed this chamber was vacant. I- - Id run a shower for Princess Elizabeth- - she highlighted the tub where Lawrence was dousing - and was going to send her up alongside her women. Well- - Lawrence really focused, frantic to put on a show of being more grand than she felt. You may not s-send her up. Nor her women. This is my chamber, where I planned to wash in harmony. I ask your exoneration, the young lady said, bowing, multiple times. Its okay, Lawrence said rapidly when she saw the young ladies fair hopelessness. There must simply have been a misconception. The young lady curtseyed and started to close the entryway. Chi looked his horned head up over the outer layer of the water and m

Should I bed down with your father, then? the king sneered. Knowing Your Majesty likes guns, Lawrence said, straining to keep her tone polite, I have brought you a gift--my fathers most prized hunting rifle. Hed asked me to bring it to you this evening, but I wasnt sure when Id have the pleasure of making your acquaintance. She had the kings full attention. He was perched on the edge of his throne. Whats it look like? Are there jewels in its butt? The . . . the stock is hand-carved from cherry-wood, she said, feeding the king the details Chi called out from where he stood beside the kings chair. The bore was milled by--by-- Oh, what would sound impressive? By a Russian metalworker who has since gone to work for the czar. Chi leaned over the kings pastries and sniffed hungrily. These look good. Lawrence repeated Chis line and then added, I could bring it to Your Majesty, if youd just allow me to go and retrieve it from my chambers-- A servant can bring the gun down tomo

Ted happened here, Lawrence said, taking a moment to let it all sink in. The Tempest. Romeo and Juliet. Were practically standing in the center of all the greatest love stories ever written. Actually, youre standing in walnut shells. Why do you have to be so glib about everything? This is amazing! Sorry, I didnt realize wed need a moment of bardolatry. His words Noah e out lisped because of the needle clipped between his jagged teeth. Now stand still. Ouch! Lawrence yelped as he jabbed sharply into her kneecap. What are you doing? Un-Anachronizing you. These folksll pay good money for a freak show, but theyre expecting it to stay onstage. Chi worked quickly, discreetly tucking the long, draped fabric of her black gown from Versailles into a series of folds and crimps so that it was gathered along the sides. He knocked away her black wig and pulled her hair into a frizzy pouf. Then he eyed the velvet capelet around her shoulders. He whipped off the soft fabric. At last, he

Chi? she whispered. I need you to do that thing where you press Pause so I can-- "Shhhh!" Chis hiss had a finality that said Lawrence was on her own. She would just have to wait until this man left so she could get Clementine Hunter alone. Unexpectedly, Clementine Hunter moved toward the wardrobe where Lawrence was hiding. Clementine Hunter reached inside. Her hand moved toward the golden cloak right next to Lawrence s shoulder. Lawrence held her breath, reached up, clasped her fingers with Lucindas. Clementine Hunter gasped and threw the door wide, staring deep into Lawrence s eyes, teetering on the edge of some inexplicable understanding. The floor beneath them seemed to tilt. Lawrence grew dizzy, closing her eyes and feeling as if her soul had dropped out of her body. She saw herself from the outside: her strange dress that Chi had altered on the fly, the raw fear in her eyes. The hand in hers was soft, so soft she could barely feel it. She blinked and Clementine Hunt