I wouldn't blame you if you did, though. [Particularly when he's sat through so much of her whining and hand-wringing, and she's done so little to be of help to him.

For now she leads him back to their rooms, dipping quietly into hers and coming out with a book.]

Do you remember how Totty looked different the trial? And he said he was some sort...I don't know, animated. Thing. [She sighs.] I'm a little like that. Only much more old fashioned.

[And here she presses the book into his hands. Though sapped of its power it still gives an aura of potency. Something about the too-fine finish maybe. The title is scrawled in a golden embossing: Sleeping Beauty.]