seven

Queen Mab!

Poppy and Sylva stopped so suddenly they almost dropped their precious treasure. They tried to curtsy while they held the huge box between them, but it was pretty much impossible.

They gently set the dollhouse down, which gave them both a moment to think of what to say to Queen Mab.

“It was in the jumble pile!”

“Lady Courtney said—”

“And so we thought—”

Queen Mab smiled. “I didn’t mean to startle you, my fairies,” she said. “And you’re right. I am giving the dollhouse away. I just wanted to make sure it was going to a good home. And I can see it is.”

“We’re going to share it,” said Sylva.

“Of course, Sylva dear. I know that. I suppose I’m just having a little pang about it. Silly of me, really.”

Sylva and Poppy did not understand exactly what Queen Mab meant by a pang. Her face had a faraway look. She seemed to be thinking of something that happened a long time ago.

“I’m sure Lady Courtney told you that the dollhouse once belonged to best friends who were a lot like you.” Sylva and Poppy nodded. “It was shared by two young fairies who loved each other very much and did everything together.”

“One was you . . . ,” said Sylva, when the queen was silent for a while.

“Yes, I was one,” said Queen Mab, “and the other was my best friend, Nia.” She said the name in a whisper.

“We lived here at my palace when we were both young,” said Queen Mab. “We thought we would be best friends forever.” She stopped talking and wrapped her wings around herself. “But we haven’t seen each other in years.”

“What happened?” Poppy asked.

Queen Mab shook her head as if she were waking up from a dream.

“Sylva Allegra Bell, you always make me act in unexpected ways,” said the queen. “That story is something that happened long ago. What’s happening now is that you two deserve this lovely fairy dollhouse yourselves. Take good care of it, and may it bring you both much joy.” And away she flew.

“That’s such a sad story about Queen Mab and her friend,” said Sylva.

“That would never happen to us,” said Poppy.

But neither Poppy nor Sylva could guess that their own friendship would soon be put to a very great test!