‘Well, maybe unhappiness makes people mean.’ Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the tower of small men which looked like it might actually stay together for more than thirty seconds. ‘But my father’s gone to war again, for a long time this time, I think, so we need to make her smile. It’s her birthday, she’ll love it.’

‘You think too well of people, Snow White.’

‘Someone’s got to, Dreamy.’

The precarious tower took a few hesitant steps towards her.

‘Yes!’ Snow White leapt from the table and almost jumped with glee. ‘We’ve got it! You’ve done it!’ She looked over her shoulder at Dreamy, her grin enticing and wicked. ‘This is going to be amazing!’

It was a magnificent affair. The chandeliers sparkled and filled the vast space with light. Musicians in every corner created a magical symphony in perfect time with each other although so far apart. Masked servants circled the room with platters of the most exquisite canapés and wines each served at their perfect temperature. Every invited guest was in attendance, and the gowns worn by the ladies transformed even the plainest of them.

The queen surveyed the room from her throne. It was a sea of pastel colours, as was the tradition of such events. She’d chosen to wear red, the same colour on her lips. Even those who hated her, and their number was growing fast, had to admire her beauty. Her blonde hair hung long and straight down her back, the colour of the far off winter lands. And her heart, she’d heard them whispering, was just as hard.

She smiled but she did not join them, although she commanded the music and watched the timeless dance between the sexes begin. A glance that lingered too long. A smile behind a fan. Eyes that peeked up playfully from a bow. It was always the same. She wondered how many ever ended happily ever after? Her mother had wanted that. It hadn’t lasted.

After the first round of dancing came the entertainment as her guests ate and drank some more. There were the tumblers, the piper and his dancing rats, the fire eaters and the dancers, and soon the music would begin again. The queen clenched her teeth. The ball was in full swing and Snow White had yet to appear. She snapped her fingers. A footman scurried over and bowed.