The Countess, her face distortedly pale, looked at Alicia for a moment before muttering, “Her Majesty’s judgment was wrong. Well, this was long ago…”

Alicia looked at her. “What do you mean?”

“My Queen, you’re different… more than I expected. You’ve got a strong side to you,” she sighed, “and you need not worry. All that remains of Her Majesty is the spirit of a tiger who had lost her teeth and paws and now only hopes for quietness for the rest of her life. If you’re able to give her consolation, then that is also fine.”

And with that, the Countess turned her head and shut her mouth tight...