Snigger Away

"The Queen threw the dirty letter on the floor.
"They have murdered my ambassador on the steps of the Temple." Her voice shook and she clenched her fists tightly as she spoke. "You know what this means, do you not? War. I say it means war!"
The King looked over at her, slouched in his throne of thorns, chewing on a juicy grape.
"And what might you, a woman, know of these matters?"
The Queen turned to face him, eyes thunderous and fists still clenched, in an attempt to steady herself.
"Might I recall a certain Battle of the Three Hills to Your Majesty's attention? A conflict where my counsel was the only one that led you and your generals to victory?" She bowed her head slightly.
He paid no mind.
"Take her away. I'm not in the mood for your moods and your dramatic nature. As you know, I haven't been for a very long time. Your being here bores me. Leave."
The first general stood up briskly. "Your Majesty. If I may have permission to speak -"
"Silence. I won't have you defending your whore's honour."
The throne room grew silent. One could have heard a handkerchief falling to the ground.
The Queen was the first to recompose herself.
"Majesty. I beg your indulgence for just a moment before I take my leave of you. It sounded to my ears as though you were accusing me of having an affair with the here present general, a man most loyal to you, my dear husband. How ridiculous." She smiled at him.
"And now, if you will excuse me, I have grown tired of your insults. I shall retire to the drawing room." She nodded towards her ladies in waiting and they followed her out of the still silent throne room like obedient little ducklings.
"She's a madwoman and a whore. Your whore." The King nodded to the general. "Better yours than mine." He laughed wholeheartedly.
If only he could have seen his second in command quietly sniggering behind him. What everyone except the King and Queen knew, was that for a long time that man had been spying on them both, paying careful attention never to be caught in the act, but catching many others in flagrante delicto and in many other, rather uncomfortable positions."