“She says it’s a Tudor Rose and that only Tudors can wear it. Is that true, Franny? Is that one of those whadidya call it? Sump . . .”

“Sumptuary laws?”

“Yeah, the kind that says who can wear what, like ermine and stuff.”

“I don’t really know all the laws. I mean, what would folk like us do if we were going about in heavy stuff like brocade and such? Could hardly churn butter, I tell you. Better to just wear homespun. But wearing a rose pendant? I suppose it was the fact that it was gold.”

“But she stole it, Franny. Princesses aren’t supposed to steal.”

“No, they aren’t, and they don’t.”

“What do you mean they don’t?”

“They command.”

“Well, you call it commanding. I call it stealing.”

“It’s their right, Rose.”

“No, I disagree. It’s their wrong.”

“A king or a queen can’t be wrong. Nor can a princess who might someday become queen. It’s their divine right.”

“Are you telling me they are God?”

“They are given the right by God.”

Rose slapped her forehead in disbelief. “You have got to be kidding.”

“Kidding?” Franny looked perplexed.

“You know, joking. Not real.”

“No, not joking at all, unfortunately.” Franny sighed. “Here, take a turn at this. You’re so angry it’ll be butter quick as a wink.”

“I’ll get the locket back, Franny. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll get it back.”

“I don’t want you to wind up in the Tower, Rose. You’re the best friend I’ve got here.” Franny was very quiet for several minutes as Rose churned.

“I have a better idea for you, Rose,” she said.

“What’s that?” Rose replied sullenly.

“Instead of bedeviling yourself about the locket . . .”

“Hush . . . she doesn’t know it’s a locket. And I pray to God she won’t discover the pin.”

“Why not try to find him—your father? The real man, not just the picture in the locket. Everyone has a father. You’ve just never met yours, Rose.”

Rose stopped churning and stared at Franny. “Do you really think that it’s possible, Franny?”

“Anything’s possible, Rose.” She paused. “Anything. Now you’d better run along. The princesses will be back from chapel and ready for their morning ride. I saw Andrew delivering their boots from being polished in the saddlery.”