He sat down across from her, still unable to fathom that this was actually happening. "I don't know how I could thank you, Your Majesty."

"Oh please, call me Catherine," she said.

He was surprised to hear her asking him to be so informal, but he did not wish to displease her. "Very well. As you wish."

Catherine smiled and gave him a hug.

Once again, he was surprised, but he found himself returning the embrace. He paused when he thought he felt something underneath the queen's gown.

She giggled a bit. "I suppose I should let you in on a secret of mine."

"What might that be?" Brynden asked, genuinely interested in learning a royal secret.

She lifted her gown for Brynden to see.

At first, the fact that she was lifting her skirt was surprising enough. Then he saw what she wore underneath. There was a thick cloth nappy wrapped tightly around her loins.

"I have been in nappies my entire life," Catherine giggled.