Anastasia entered her carriage and was preparing to leave when she was informed that the queen had invited her for tea.
She wanted to refuse, using the excuse that her husband was still ill and that she needed to return home to care for him. On second thought, however, she knew Elizabeth was petty. It would be better to go and see her than give her another reason to hold a grudge.
The maid who came to summon her led the way to the garden, where Elizabeth was already seated with two ladies. Anastasia recognized them as Elizabeth's friends—members of her court.
"Your Majesty," Anastasia said, stopping a few steps away and bowing.
She did not feel uncomfortable bowing to Elizabeth. It was merely a formality, and having worn the crown herself before, she did not envy her in the slightest.
