The empress opened her suitcase and declared I have no clothes! The port authority said at least you are aware of it.

The mixing engineer was infatuated with her most royal attitude, and he asked which of the cocktails the empress would like him to mix first. The empress said mix me a Truffles of Trieste. How many times must we mention Trieste? It appears almost as often as Ginger does. The mixing engineer said at least Ginger has been left out of this story. The empress said my name’s Ginger. She sipped her Truffles of Trieste and said this tastes more like a Guanciale of Genoa. At least we haven’t mentioned Genoa before, although guanciale has made a previous appearance. The mixing engineer said who’s making these silly editorial comments. Ginger said what do you mean?

The port authority slipped some gingham dresses into the suitcase of the empress, and the adoration of the Magus was complete.

Originally published March 9, 2024