Mr. Darwin and I stepped forward at the same time, and I forced myself to meet her gray gaze.

“My name is Syms Covington, ma’am,” I said, hardly able to believe I was talking to the Queen.

“Of course it is. I remember Mr. Darwin spoke quite at length of your bravery at my Royal Society luncheon. I would like to read your own account of events on Narborough Island sometime—I do so adore a tale of survival against the odds. Almost as much as I enjoy the sight of exotic and intriguing animals. Like my dragons here.” She frowned and shook her finger at my master as if he were a naughty child. “Their health deteriorates. This is unacceptable, as I have become most fond of them. What is your answer to this, Mr. Darwin?”

The young queen’s eyes were wide and expectant, used to receiving the answer she wanted, when she wanted it.

“We have improved their diet and provided more shelter, to make the area more similar to the natural—”

“I know what has been done, but it has clearly not been effective,” said the Queen, dismissing him with a wave of the hand. “Look at them. They are quiet, listless, off their food. Now, I would like to know what is going to be done, before we lose one of these dear creatures.”

Mr. Darwin cleared his throat, and although I did not look at him, I knew his face would be reddening.

Mr. Darwin might not be willing to help me, but maybe the Queen of England would.

“Your Majesty,” I said, barely able to believe I was speaking in Mr. Darwin’s place, and directly to the Queen, “the lizards must be returned to their home. Some animals don’t do well in captivity and they are the last of their kind. Ma’am.”

I bowed. When I rose, I saw Mr. Darwin’s cheeks were red and his lips a thin line. I avoided his eyes.

“Returned to their home? The … Galapagos Islands?” said the Queen, her eyebrows arching.

This was it. While Farthing and the others were still strong enough to make the voyage, the Queen would make it happen. They could be released on the biggest island, Albemarle, into the lava tubes …

“Impossible!” Her laugh tinkled high, but to me it sounded like a funeral bell.

“Covington. You found them, you witnessed them in their environs. They are cave dwellers, are they not?”

“Yes, ma’am, they seem to be, although they were far from scientific observations—”

She waved her hand again, cutting me off. “Of course they were not scientific. You were a terrified young boy, left alone, marooned amidst a volcanic eruption!”

Behind, her retinue laughed with her. I supposed I should be flattered the Queen knew of me, but I felt like I was their entertainment.

The Queen leaned in closer, her eyes suddenly shrewd. She tapped my arm once with her small white-gloved hand and lowered her voice.

“I have decided I will make my interest in Darwin’s Dragons official. These animals will be protected under a royal charter, meaning they belong to the monarchy.” She didn’t stop, so I didn’t have time to figure out what this would mean for Farthing and the others. “I will discuss my plans only with you, Covington, and Mr. Darwin,” she added as an afterthought, “as you know the animals best. I will send a carriage at nine p.m. one week from today.”