“Come now,” said Annaba. “Wipe that look off your face. We’ve arrived at the center of the world.”

“The center of the world is very white.”

“We are pioneers, making history. They want what we have. So do the Dutch. We let them fight over us. Either way, we are victorious.”

They reached a set of closed, arched doors where guards stood on duty and Fabien and his assistant Laurene waited. Annaba leaned into his brother. “They will speak of this moment long after we’re gone.”

“It’s the gone part that worries me,” said Kobina.

“Honored guests of the King,” Bontemps said with a respectful nod. “Annaba, Prince of Issiny.”

“Son to the King of Eguafo,” added Annaba, “inheritor of the Coast of Ivory and Teeth, Lord of the Sky. And this is my brother, Kobina.”

“Prince Annaba,” said Bontemps, “you will accompany me, please.” But as Annaba beckoned the others to join him, Bontemps stopped him. “Alone. Your brother will accompany Monsieur Fabien.”

“And my friends?” asked Annaba as his macaw flapped its rainbow wings and hopped over to Kobina’s shoulder.

“Shall bask in the full warmth of the King’s hospitality.” At that, Laurene stepped forward. Then the three parties departed in different directions, to differ encounters throughout the palace.

Bontemps ushered Prince Annaba to a small, sparsely furnished chamber. There was but one window, a second, closed door on a far wall, and a heavy green curtain to one side of the room. Annaba peered behind the curtain to find an alcove with a bed. Something was up, and it did not feel right. He glanced out the window and asked as casually as he could, “Bontemps, how far is it to the trees?”

He heard the door shut and turned to find Bontemps gone, leaving only two guards. Annaba moved toward the door but the guards leaned in to block his way.

What is going on? What does –

The door opened again. Surely this was the King, coming to greet him.

But it was the Queen. Marie-Therese stood there in all her noble beauty. The two gazed at each other for a long moment.

Then, “Good day, Prince Annaba.”

Annaba bowed. “Good day to you, Highness. Such a pleasure to see you again.”

A covered cargo wagon rumbled along the road to Versailles, carrying a load of wine barrels. A rosy-cheeked monk sat on a bench inside with the barrels, the rocking wagon and squeaking wheels nearly putting him to sleep. It was a fine day, a sunny summer’s day. God was in His Heaven and all was right with the world.

And then he heard an angry shout outside. “Halt! Your cargo or your life!”

The monk’s mouth went dry. He dropped to the floor and tried to make himself small.

“Wine!” shouted a second voice. “For the King!”