Chapter five“A most interesting tale, Milsi, dear. Absolutely fascinating.” “But it is all true—” “Oh, come now! I love a good fairy story. I positively dote on them. But, naturally, one cannot believe them, can one?” Queen Satra, plump and dumpy, her white hair jutting forward in a widow’s peak, leaned forward on one dimpled elbow. Her round face with its little pink mouth from one corner of which peeped the tip of a tooth bore the faintest trace of a flush. Her dark brilliant eyes sized up Milsi as she spoke so quietly and insistently. “Whatever gods you wish me to swear on—” “Really, Milsi! You shouldn’t go so far!” Delia said smoothly: “It is a strange story, majestrix, strange and true.” “You all confirm what Milsi says, I hear you. But you are all Vallians. I suspect this is w