Timeless

“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.

Madame Lefoux, all forgotten until that moment, jumped down off the throne platform to join them. “It’s very romantic, his wanting to die with you.”
“You would say that.”
“Can I come and join you as well?” She sidled up to Alexia and winked at her.
“Genevieve, you don’t know when to give up, do you?”

“Be fair, my love. When have I ever done as ordered?”

I married an idiot, thought his loving wife, and she rushed down the hillside.

“I think I may have to sleep in the river tonight,” she said to no one in particular.
“You’ve done stranger things, I suppose,” was her husband’s reply.

“Why, Alexia, my dear, are you quite well?”
“No, Ivy, I am not. I do believe my marriage may be in ruins.”
“Well, it’s a good thing we are in the land of such things, then, isn’t it?”
“What things?”
“Ruins.”
“Oh, Ivy, really.”
“Not even a smile? You must truly be afflicted by sentimental upset.

“Oh, my, Alexia, you shouldn’t say such things! You’re a married woman.”
“True, but not a dead one.”

The queen says that Europeans do everything wrong, writing from left to right, uncovering the head to enter a room yet leaving the feet confined.