day 20 36000.

Late post as I couldn't get in lastnight. My net was acting up.

Athions smiled. “I say we go to the room. Fewer distractions.”

Kell said. “By which you mean few people. But know that means informing the staff that the rooms are in use. Which means they will be coming in to clean and making noise that I have no maid with me. Are you sure you guys are willing to but up with that? If not we can out it off, through I can not hide forever. By being here you guys are going to learn just what being attached to a princess means. I fear you will come to see just what I ran from.”

They looked at each other and Rick nodded. Athions said. “No use hiding, sides I think that we need some time just for us.”

Kell nodded. “That is what I expected. Well get your books and lets go. If we are going to do this we should do it right.”

They nodded and soon the three were headed out. Kell said. “So where do we go? You are leading. I need to know you can find the way, should I be called away.” So it was they made the way to the room, there was a few times Kell had to help, but she was confident that they could find the way on there own eventually.

Once they were in the room Kell nodded to the table at the back. “That one is for books, there will be paper and pens under it. It should be stocked, but if not it will be by tomorrow. Now then I guess I had better call down. It might take a bit, as they might have forgotten just what room that bell is for.” With that she went to a half hiding cord and gave it a tug. “If I had my way I would just go down and get my food. But they don't like that, it makes them feel I don't trust them to do there jobs. Much like helping you unpack. If you need something you will be expected to call in the same manner. So get used to it.”

Athions went over and put his arm around her. “I know it is hard on you. Thank you for trying I did not know we were so easy to read.”

“I have lived with servants all my life. I have come to know when I was stepping on toes. But it doesn’t make it any easier for me to accepted being waited on. Perhaps if I had not been sent away to school I would have adjusted. But When at the school I was expected to take care of my needs, at lest unless other pledge to do so, and I accepted no pledges. But that is history.” There was a knock on the door. “That will be a page. Rick you should answer it. Just open the door.”

Rick opened the door to find a young girl standing there. She bowed low as the door opened. Raised slowly and said. “Of what do you wish? On be half of the staff I bring apologizes for the state of the rooms. Had we but been told Highness, you would not be lacking.”

Kell drew a breath, forcing her self not to flinch, trying to make her voice authoritative. “The rooms are fine do not trouble your self over that, and pleas bare my thanks to the housekeeper for keeping them so neat when there was no reason to look for my return anytime soon. I request that supper for my self and” She hesitated a bit. “my servants be bought to my rooms.. We will all so require breakfast be brought in the morning. As soon as the kitchen has it ready, as I am an early riser. We will dine here.”

There was a small frown on the girls lips but she bowed again and said. “As you wish Highness. Is there anything you desire?”

Kell knew she should request something but couldn't do it. “I will just be glad of something cooked by one who knows more than army food. I have been long on the road.”

The maid's frown deepened as she bowed low. “I will return in short order with food for all.” She back from the door then turned and left.

Kell shook her head. “I knew she would have ask. I should have had a demand in mind.”

Athions said. “Where did she think you should take the meals, love?

Kell said. “Open that door and look, you will be able to tell. Sides you might as well start getting used to them. Once Father gets here I will have occasions that require there use. They are a compromise. By having formal visiting rooms here, I do not have to take residence in the family wing when court is being held.”

He opened the door went down a short hall and stopped. “Are you sure these rooms are meant to be used?”

Kell laughed. “This the the informal room, used for friends. It is where she would have me dine. Come on. Though here is the formal guest room. Used for important company. Now if you thought the other was bad, note the white carpet, and all the glass works that look like it would break if breathed on. Can't you just see me using rooms like this daily?” She mover back to the other and looked to strait back but then stopped and moved to anther door flung it wide to revile an elaborate bed chamber. “Would you rather we use this one?” She laughed at their faces. “I just had to show you. I do use the visiting rooms, but the rest of this section has set unused since it was finished. There is a matching bathing room. And of course a ladies' sun room. Just thing I need. Relax, I will be able to keep you out of it most times I must make use of the rooms. Now then how about we go back to the rooms we can breath in, or perhaps you would like me to change my mind about having supper in the 'study'?”

Rick cringed. “Good Lord, please not that! That room is far worse than my Mom's dining room, and to think I found that overdone. I know see I didn't know the meaning of the word.”

Kell said. “Oh just wait. One day I will take you to my family’s wing. There you can see real opulence. Trust me my Father's hand was restrained in these rooms. Yes that is a threat, as well as promise.” They made it back to the rooms and had just sat down when there was a knock on the door. Rick jumped and went to answer it. Pausing and looking back at Kell who smiled. “You may open it. Ugh but you are better at this than I am.”She made it a point to ignore the servers as they set the table.

When they were done one turned to Athions. “Will there be more sir?”

Athions blinked, but his voice was strong. “Not at this time, if more is needed I will ring.”

The servant bowed. “Very well sir. Ring twice when we are to clear.” He bowed again and they left.

Once the door was shut Athions broke out laughing. Kell said. “Would it have been better if I had warned you? If you weren't here he would have addressed Rick, If neither of you were the maid would have come back as well, for under some hierarchy I fail to understand he is not supposed to talk to me, and gets down right offended if I notice him. Welcome to life in the palace.”

Athions said. “You are not going to like it, but I need to know how to refer to you if I am to give orders in your name.”

Kell said. “You know full well how to do it. By using the title I have asked you not to. But I relent only when you are dealing with them or the lords. Though I will endeavor to keep those few. Now come eat.”

The first part of the meal passed in companionable silence. Then with a sigh Kell broke the silence. “I need to tell you what I should have before you fist gave me yourselves. Before I let you in.” She looked up and nodded. “So as I said my dad will be arriving for the conference. As will all lot of others. Not all, but latter. Anyway it is way past time I told you who he is.”

Athions said. “It doesn’t matter. As I have said.”

Kell said. “I should have told you then. I foolish thought you knew, and when I realized it was easer to not tell. But It was not fair.” She took a breath. “It is one thing to be the daughter of some king in the empire. It is anther to be Krellyis Sandei Dragonthorn.”

Rick’s response was to kiss her. “I don’t care. I never have

Athions blinked. “It doesn’t matter. It never matterd.”

Kell said. “Do you know what that means? Yes Rick, you do, you plains child, but Anth have you heard the name Dragonthorn before? Do?”

He silenced her with a kiss. “I have a fair idea. He is the emperor, or his family is. So what? I love you, and I don’t care what baggage you have. We all have baggage. Yours might mean I have a bit of learning, but we can manage it. What do you say we get this food out of the way Mistress?”

Kell shook her head but decided to let it drop. “I thought I made it clear that was not to be used. You are pushing it.”

“Oh am I? And what am I pushing?”

Kell said. “I beat I could find some stocks for you to spend the night in.” He raised an eyebrow and she had to laugh. “Really, open that door there. But know that the contents will not be used tonight. My arm won’t do it. Soon though, and if you keep it up I might just get someone else to.”

Athions went over to the door and opened it. “Hum I think I am going to like this empire of yours. Rick what do you say?”

Rick smiled. “I have to agree. And surely some of it could be used?”

Kell laughed. “Just what am I to do with you two. One of you needs to summon the staff to clean this away, and try to demand something ridicules from them. Got to get in the habit of asking for things, it is expected. Yes the other can go turn down the bed.” She turned and headed into the bedroom.

Rick was not to far behind her. “Anth said he could handle the servants, and I was to help you.”

Kell nodded. “I fear I have over done a bit and will need some help with this shirt. Oh and my burns might look a bit different. I lost a bought and so the King called in his healer. I watched it and used only my left, but my right is a bit stiff tonight.”

The next morning as they were getting out of bed Kell said. “Work out clothes guys. I thought that after breakfast you would enjoy working out in a real gym for a change. After this you will be let in without me, but I warn you they are going to be hard on you.”

Rick said. “That sounds like fun.”

Kell smiled. “We will see if you still feel that way later. Now get dressed. We will leave after breakfast. My clothes.”

Athions nodded. “Now that is more like it. Here you are love. Shall I ring and see if breakfast is ready?”

Kell said. “I know I should. Give it anther ten minuets then you can. I know they are just getting things going good. Most won’t want anything before eight.”