“It is the modern age, my dear Lord Akeldama. I think we must learn to accept such things as a consequence of shifting times.”

“A new queen, plus five Egyptian vampires and assorted drones? You object to my bringing souvenirs back from Egypt? Everyone brings back souvenirs from their travels abroad, my lord. It is the done thing.”

“There, you see? Takes after her mother already.”
“What could you mean by that?” queried Alexia archly.
“Likes her own way, doesn’t she?” suggested the Frenchwoman with a dimpled smile.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” replied Lady Maccon with a great deal of dignity.