“That is because I wake as excited as a child at the thought of its first party,” the Empress said. “It is only in the summer that I am lazy when there is no reason to rise early.”
“A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!” Prince Rudolph quoted.
“What is it that they said about your John Peel?” the Empress asked, turning to the Squire. “The sound of the horn drew him from his bed. That is what happens to me every day when I am hunting.”
“May I wish you a good run tomorrow, ma’am?” the Squire said as he bent over her hand.
“Thank you,” the Empress answered. “And now before you go I am going to suggest that you have another drink while I take your daughter upstairs to find her cloak. There is something I want to say to her.”
The Squire looked surprised as the Empress drew Gisela down
