For years I have been the favorite of the king. I know all sorts of concealed and secret things.

The king has recently brought twelve huntsmen into his service. He doesn’t know that they are girls, but I do. When I tell him, the king doesn’t believe me, so I suggest we have some peas strewn in his antechamber. Let’s see how the huntsmen step over them. I can guarantee you that if they are men, they will squash the peas, but if they are women, they will step around them, and the peas will roll.

Then the king will see who is riding with him on the hunt!

Lion Minister in The Twelve Huntsmen, Grimms. Illustration by H.J. Ford.