The Court of Their Royal Highnesses Queen Marie and King Nicholas.

My dear Anne, I resent the implication that I must pay for dispensations!

Majesty I meant no such thing, I meant only that the office is so busy that they are always hiring competent people and there is always much work for these said people to do to earn a fine wage. No one speaks of bribery here.

*stifles a laugh at Anne's comment*


*smiles*

Thank you for the advice Emperor I shall remember that, it certainly does make it easier to think of it in those terms

It is odd to say this but sometimes I miss Marie when she is gone. But for the love of God don't tell her I said that! Please!

Ah, of course. That is what you meant.

All I must do to get a dispensation is ask nicely. And sometimes use the word "sack" in a sentence.

Of course Majesty, if I were the Pope I would make every conceivable effort to stay on your good side!

Most people do. It's a perk.

And which is your good side? Front? Back? Left? Right?

Hmm... the left side, I think.

Yes definitely! I however favor my right side. If I had an extra finger it would be on the left, but I don't so, oh never mind!

Extra finger? How odd.

Oh it is a horrible rumor that a very evil enemy of mine made up many years ago and there is really no truth to it. *tucks hands behind back*

Now that's hardly fair, after all the fuss you made about my hands!

Well it's just that my nails are all chipped and I am embarrassed to have you see mine little paws in such disrepair.

Poor dear, shall I send for the Imperial Manicurist?

Oh that would lovely. I am a terrible nail biter. Do you know any way to stop?

Alas, that is not a problem I have suffered from. Have you tried wearing gloves?

No I am taking some medicine for some of my symptoms. Maybe I need another dose!

I have received many interesting herbs from the New World. My scholars are researching their uses and hope to find a cure for all man's ailments. Perhaps your daughter's Wizard Earl could help?

Perhaps. But my apothecary has created something he calls Xanax and it helps with some of my compulsions.

Sir Nicholas, *smiles and curtseys lightly*

Anne, I thank thee heartily for your most gracious comments reguarding myself.
I'm also beginning to anticipate the arrival of Marie, I hear she is very beautiful.

She is indeed *Nicholas smiles thinking of his beloved*

Oh certainly I cannot deny that Marie Stuart is one of the most beautiful women in the world. And the effect that she has on men is nothing less than bewitching!

*smiles* *Yes that is very true as well


*chuckles and blushes slightly* she has a charm about her that can make some men act rather foolishly at times*