Briar looked around frantically. She was just in the market in Ashenhelm, but now she was gazing up at a large building. It was so large it almost hurt her eyes to look at it.

A boy came running from the building. He looked to be in a hurry, though he stopped to look at Briar. He didn't seem to notice her pointed ears and her missing pinky fingers.

“Why, hello, Miss! I'm Henry Baker, at your service!” said the boy with much enthusiasm. “What might your name be?”

“I'm Briar Estel Wylwin,” replied Briar. For some reason, her face and neck felt very hot. “Uh- at your service.”

“Pleasure’s mine, Miss Wylwin! Say, what might you be doing here at Buckingham Palace?” asked Henry.

“A palace? Is this where the Emperor and Empress live? Oh dear, I shouldn’t be here! Not on royal grounds!” Briar looked around for any sign of the Emperor or Empress.

“Emperor? Why, no, silly! This is home of Queen Victoria! Not some silly Emperor!” Henry smiled. His smile was lovely, filled with joy. “And I’m proud to say that I’m a butler who works for her.”

“A… butler. Sorry for asking, Mr. Baker, but what is a butler?”

“Come again? I’m sorry, you do not know of butlers?” Henry’s face was screwed up in a way that Briar took for confusion. “Butlers are like maids, but not ladies,” he explained.

Briar nodded. She didn’t know what a maid was, but she didn’t ask.

“Well, anyhow, I have to get back to work. You’re welcome to come along if you’d like,” the boy offered. He held out his hand. Briar took it. It felt strong and rough.

He led her across the strange city, to an area that looked similar to the Ashenhelm market. Briar peeked over his shoulder with curiosity as he grabbed an assortment of odd foods. He then grabbed a ton of something, which Briar recognized as chocolates, and then they were off towards Buckingham Palace, Briar clutching Henry’s rough hand the entire time.