I shall go to my bedroom in the Wardrobe, and no one shall know that I have not been there all night." Frances seemed stubborn, but knowing her danger, I continued: "Let us have a conference with your father and your sister.

I deem it best that we let it be known abroad that you were at your father's house all night.

Since the king did not see you at Merlin House, he may come to suspect that his agents kidnapped the wrong person.

Later on you may leave court with honor; now you would leave in disgrace.

Right or wrong, the king can do no wrong, and even were it known that he had kidnapped you, every one would laugh at you as the victim of a royal prank.