A terrible premonition rocked Cinderella. Fleeing to her room, however, did not prove to be an option at the moment. Queen Thomasine's invitation for the women's adjournment to the library did little to dispel the impending sense of danger. Cinderella followed the others as the men lingered behind doing whatever it was men did when women were not in attendance.
Something to do with port, whatever that symbolized. Cinderella shrunk behind Pricilla and Essie hoping to escape Stepmama's notice. But Queen Thomasine tugged Cinderella's arm through hers, gifting her with a most benevolent smile.
"Come along, Cinderella, ma chère."
She followed somewhat awestruck. One did not ignore the queen. No matter how frightened one was.
"How many fountains did you manage to see today?" the queen asked.
"We counted four, Your Majesty."
"Ah, then you will have to see more in the next few days. Weather permitting, of course. Tell me, dear, which of the four did you like best?"
"Apollo was spectacular," Cinderella said softly. The queen was so warm and sincere, a moment of tranquility settled over Cinderella. She reveled in the touch of an absent mother she'd never known. The silence drew out and her cheeks heated. She wondered if the queen read her private thoughts. "Um, the, uh, depiction with his golden lyre is brilliant." Cinderella answered breathlessly.
"But?" Queen Thomasine's patience seeped in and Cinderella let her guard slacken.
"And Zeus. He is so strong and fierce. I wonder at the artist's ability to carve such vivid thunderbolts about him…" She trailed off, shaking her head still awed by the intricate detail she still could picture. She lowered her voice. "But I suppose of the four, I could not help but be most singularly impressed by Poseidon. How did they create all those elaborate sea creatures encircling him?"
Queen Thomasine's laugh burst forth, drawing Stepmama's sudden attention. Venom spewed from her and Cinderella flinched under the silent assault.
"I am pleased you like him, my dear. He happens to be one of my favorites, as well. As I said, you shall see more tomorrow." The queen moved forward indicating the women to sit. Cinderella moved to the outset of the circle, well beyond Stepmama's reach.
Small talk from Pricilla and Esmeralda and their view of the gardens and grounds ensued until the king and Prince joined them a short time later followed by Prince's manservant. The man seemed to be everywhere. Cinderella only noticed because Pricilla's cheeks pinkened prettily at his arrival.
"Ah, Sir Arnald, my nephew. How nice you could join us, mon cher," Queen Thomasine said. There was a twist to her lips that Cinderella might have described as acerbic. It did not comport with her earlier demeanor.