“My petal. Westminster’s toy had tea issues. Thank Biffy and Lyall. Toodle pip. A.”

“What did you do?” “Well, you see, there was this pot of tea, simply sitting there…” He trailed off. “Useful thing, tea,” commented Lyall thoughtfully.”

“Not Alec Weebs? Never!” Biffy was appreciatively shocked.”

“Biffy didn't like enigmas - they were out of fashion.”

“Biffy said, off the cuff, "Or we could find a replacement queen.""Volunteering for the position?""Why, Professor, is that wittiness I detect?""Only for you.""Charmer." Biffy tapped him on the arm playfully.”

“Lyall had spent centuries nibbling about the great layered cake that was polite society while Lord Akeldama acted the part of the frosting on its top.”

“Lord Maccon looked up. “Grovel, you say?” Lyall did not glance away from the latest vampire report he was perusing. “Grovel, my lord.”