Mary was delighted to be shown up.
Her own household had long been used to her silly contents and whims, each maid or footman able to compete honestly with her in whatever game she chose, but still somehow always managing to lose. Whether it was seeing who might tie the strongest set of knots in a bed sheet, or who could throw an apple into a particular tier of fountain from a set distance, the princess beat them all.
Some kitchen maid, she didn’t know who, nor particularly cared, had managed to stand on one foot without aid for five minutes. She’d barely wobbled!
Initially Mary hadn’t partaken in this game, more in the mood for watching an amusing display, but now she stood in the garden, carefully perched on one foot, the other bent and tucked against her straightened knee. She’d been carefully counting the minutes. But movement caught her eye, just outside the edge of her vision and she turned her neck, stretching to see.
Her balance teetered and she went too far forward. Down came her foot and up rose her displeasure. Whipping her heat up, Mary set the interloper who’d cost her the winnings an soft frown.
