Chapter Fifteen.
 
 
 

Xahar looked at the squires around him.  He had disqualified one already for coming up and suggesting he blow him and give him the position anyway.  In front of the Queen since she was behind him.  She had disqualified him and told her husband why when he had shown up.  They were down to their last fight of the contest, the actual fighting.   His male choice had made tops in bargaining and the female one had come in third, they hadn't liked dealing with a woman, said it was odd in their reports.  The king had watched those through a special spell Mica had created.  The king's two knights had won the drinking contest, as expected, and were barely sober enough to do the archery contest, so the queen had suggested he postpone it.  It hadn't mattered, his female choice for knight had won that and his male choice had come in third.  Xahar looked back at the king.  "With three each having one win, sire, do I disqualify the one who can't hope to win and make it a three-way fight?"

He considered it, then looked at his wife, who nodded and shrugged.  "I don't see the harm in it.  What would you have them do if there was a tie?"

"Well, Ballor suggested waiting tables in a tavern to prove they could blend in with the regular people if they had to go on a spying mission," he noted calmly.  The queen snickered at that.  "Liset suggested I make them dance since it's technically my title.  Personally I think I'd give it to whoever hadn't tried to sleep with me for it."

The king grunted at that, he had heard his two knights attempt that maneuver.  A few who hadn't been on the list had tried it as well.  He'd heard Xahar retort a few times that bedding someone didn't make someone a good knight.  That not bedding someone made someone a better knight, and that if he wanted to decide this in the bedroom his choice already had won his knighthood a few years back.  It had made him laugh.  He thought Xahar was very free with his attention but apparently he was wrong.  "I think waiting tables might be the best of those three options," he said plainly.  "It's a skill not many knights have these days."

His queen patted him on the thigh.  "Some of them and some squires do, dear.  They take a rotation with the guards to help them deal with the drunken priests, mages, and other knights."   He looked startled at that.  She nodded.  "The guards don't want to deal with them, it's too dangerous, so most of the squires and a few of the knights in residence do take turns helping them.  I had to free Squire Morganis from her rounds tonight and Squire Fiedra had his two days ago.  Neither of your choices were on the official list, only on the punishment list."  He grunted at that, not looking happy.  "I must say, I've never seen Squire Fiedra look so well at anything."

"He's a born diplomat, my queen," Xahar noted, standing up.  The four squires stared up at him.  "There's a three-way tie.  I have the choice of removing the one who could only make it a four-way tie so someone wins, or not doing so."

"Don't," Squire Morganis noted, raising her chin some.  "Make it a free-for-all fight.  The last one standing wins."

He considered it, then nodded. "Very well.  I can do that," he agreed.  "You may begin."

"What happens if we tie again?" one of the King's squires demanded.

"Then you've got to prove you've got some other skills that a true knight needs when he does more than reside at the palace and suck up to the princesses while hitting on the serving and household wenches," Xahar said dryly.  "That would be tomorrow night."  He sat down again, waving a hand. "Begin or forfeit."

Fiedra knocked down one squire, then stomped on his chest, making him moan.  He looked at Morganis and shrugged.  "Shall we?"

"We can fight between us," she agreed, helping him charge the other one.  He was slightly drunk and it showed with how easy he went down and how easily his leg broke when she stomped on it.  She turned to face him, then smirked.  "You can't beat me here."

"I've been practicing with a private trainer," he offered smugly, rushing her.  She blocked him and they fought, going back and forth.  She'd toss him, he'd bounce back up and get her from behind, knocking her down.  Eventually they got down to panting.

"Hold," the queen commanded, and they both fell to their knees, bowing at her as they panted.  She looked at her husband.  "Let Xahar give his to one of them and name the other to a free one," she said quietly. "They've both proven they can and should do the job over yours, who can only drink."

The king considered it.  "Xahar, do you have a favorite for your title?"

He shook his head. "No, my king.   I know they both deserve it and they both have earned it but I cannot choose between them.  Can they share one?"

"No," he said firmly.  He looked at them.  "It is not often that a woman makes it into the rank of Squires from her formal training," he decided.  She bowed her head again.  "It is even less often that she works so hard and so long to make herself worthy of the title.  You have proven yourself worthy," he noted.  She bowed her head again.  "I think we have a tie here."

"What is the next task," Fiedra asked immediately and humbly.  "I live to serve."

"I could make you wait tables to prove you can fit in with commoners when you travel," Xahar offered.  He looked at the king, who smirked.  "But I'm not that mean."  The king nodded his head subtly.  "You will?"

"I will gift her," he said quietly.

"Then I will gift Squire Fiedra with my father's knighthood and old, broken down tower.  You'll have watch on the road out to my estate," he told him.  He looked at the woman. "It really is a wreck," he assured her.  "My father built it himself."  She looked horrified.  "Exactly."

"So, instead, you'll have watch over your adoptive family's lands," the King announced.  She looked stunned.  "You tied.  You fought well, you both have your strengths and weaknesses."

"We consider the fact that you couldn't win the drinking contest a strength by the way," the Queen offered dryly, standing up.  She smiled at her.  "Welcome to the knighthood, Theodora."

"Thank you, my queen.  I live to serve you and your husband."  She bowed deeply.  "I'm grateful for this honor."

"See that you don't fall into that common trap of growing an ego," the king said dryly.  "I've seen it happen and had to have those knights muck the barn repeatedly."

"Waiting tables at one of the dirtier inns sounds so much more productive for our reputations," the queen offered, taking his arm to walk around them.  "Both of you bathe and come up to the castle in your official outfits."

"If you have them, you can use our facilities," Xahar offered.  "I have to come too, right?"  She nodded, giving him a patient look.  "Do I have to talk to that guy who keeps hitting on me?"

"No, dear, the Chancellor is back at his family estate for a holiday," she soothed.  He nodded at that.  "Make sure Ballor and Liset dress as well, dear.  We shall see you both very shortly.  Within the hour," she ordered.  They both nodded, bowing at their feet.  "Good."  She walked her husband off.  "Come, dear, we've got to make the announcement about this happening so it can be witnessed by her family."

"You can use my mirror," Xahar called after them.  He walked over, pulling them both up.  "Got your clothes?" he asked with a grin.

"I thank you," the new knight Fiedra offered gently.  He hugged him.  "Thank you so much."

"You earned it," he assured him, patting him on the back.  He gave the other one a wink. "I'd hug you but you're scary."  She laughed and hugged him, letting him walk them inside.  "Cook, we're running baths for them.  They have to be shiny and up at the palace within an hour."  He looked horrified. "They can't miss their knightings.  Make sure Liset and Ballor are clean and dressed too."  He walked them up to some of the spare rooms, letting them bathe in private while he went to change.  He really should look like a Lord today he supposed.  He pulled out a vest and a pair of normal pants, going to rinse off with some cool water before putting them on.  He came down the stairs a few minutes later, going out to gather their horses from the groom. His was bonding with the new Knight Morganis's mare, but he soon stopped before she got back down the stairs.  "Watch out, my stallion has taken a liking to your mare."

"Your stallion likes every mare," she said dryly.  "Besides, Father will be pleased.  He wanted to see what a crossbreed could do."  She mounted and waited for her fellow knight to join her, then Ballor and Liset came out, going to get their horses, the matched set this time.  "You two decorate him so very well," she teased.

"His stallion liked my mare too much and she's cranky carrying her first foal," Liset complained.  "Watch out for him."

"Too late," she quipped.  She shrugged.  "Father won't mind."  Fiedra came out tying back his hair but Xahar whispered something and it was braided and tied off.  "Now that's handy," she decided.  "Is mine too short?"  He nodded.  "I'll have to work on that."  Fiedra mounted carefully and they rode out in front of the trio.   Some people clapped and waved so they smiled and waved back.  It wasn't that far to the palace and the guard was waiting on them to take their horses.  "Watch out, his stallion's got her scent already."

"We know about Xahar's stallion," one of the guards noted, walking said lover off to be by himself for a bit.

Xahar led the way inside, pushing open the doors of the main Court Hall.  "My King, My Queen, I bring you the winners of the contest for my father's knighthood.  Squires Fiedra and Morganis."  He bowed and got out of their way, letting them walk forward.  "They tied."

"We saw," the queen said regally, startling her son by his odd look in their direction.  "It was quite amusing and he always has good juice on hand when the day gets hot," she reminded him.

"These two have served long and well as squires.  The city guards have much to say about both of you and how you volunteered to help, even when it wasn't your turn to be with them.  They have said that either of you would be welcome to work with them once you are knighted.  And since there's only one title, I do believe we'll have to name another watch position.  Squire Fiedra, Squire Morganis.  I hereby ask you, are you willing to give your life for this land?"  They both nodded.  "Are you willing to die protecting it and its rulers?"  They both nodded again.  "You both are found worthy by everything that makes a knight.  Squire Morganis, you shall have watch over your family's lands.  They are your adopted family, meant to make you fit in better with the court, but have taken you in as one of their own.  Do you object?"

"No, my king," she said firmly. "They are my family to my mind.  As the crown is my life and the ruler's my blood, so shall it flow in yours and their service."

"Well stated," the queen offered quietly.

The king smiled at the other squire.  "You, Squire Fiedra, are to be given the knighthood Xahar is giving up.  He knows he is a warrior and a courtier but he is not meant for Knighthood and the struggles a knight must face.  Are you willing to bear the brunt of Watching over his lands?  Of taking on that tower your predecessor built?  His lands are farther away from the city."

"Yes, but they are near the lands where I was birthed, sire. I know them as my home.  I shall guard it as you command and fix that tower before it falls on someone's head.  I will make the knighthood proud of me."

"You already do," the queen assured him gently.  "You've served long and well in our honor as a squire."

The king got up and took his son's sword, using it to knight the two new knights.  "Rise and be noted."  They rose, facing the Court who had come in to watch.  "Your new Knights, Fiedra and Morganis.  Tonight, they celebrate, tomorrow they get their first official assignments.  I'm not heartless," he said with a small smirk at them.

"Sire, I need no drink, just some happy music and my family and friends," Morganis said gently.  The crowd laughed at that.

"We consider that a good thing," the king noted firmly.  "Knights who can only drink cannot defend us with honor.  Some of the others would do well to remember that."  He looked at Fiedra.  "What of you?  Do you need extra time off tonight?"

"No, sire, my family is dead and gone last year.  I can and will celebrate with some of my friends though.  We'll even pick different taverns so the servers aren't too stressed and to spread the happiness around."

Morganis looked at him and nodded. "I like that idea.  I call the Rose and Tabernacle."

"Fine, I'd rather have the Scepter and Iron."  They shook on it then bowed to their rulers before backing out and heading off to spread the good news.

Xahar coughed, bringing back Fiedra.  "You know of the tower?"  He nodded.  "Good.  We'll be in town most of the time, not at Mother's house.  You'll have to air it out.  He laid there for a bit."

"That's fine, Xahar.  I'm sure a few of the Squires would be more than happy to help me rebuild the weak sections, or at least those on punishment would be more happy with that than the punishment you devised," he said happily.  "I'll stop by soon."

"There's no key.  You can fix that."

"Thanks."  He hurried off, going to find his friends among the other Squires.  He saw the Lord and Lady Morganis hugging their adopted one and bowed to them.  "Congratulations, sir."

"You as well," the Lady assured him, giving him a hug. "I knew your natural mother, she'd be proud," she said quietly.  "As would the one who raised you."  He nodded, smiling at that.

"Our son has ideas on how to fix that tower you just got without having to rebuild it totally.  Come see him tomorrow," the Lord commanded.

"Yes, sir, if my duties permit it."

"That's fine.  Go, have fun. It's a special day."  He hurried off.  "We heard your plans, that's fine with us.  We'll start there then head home."

"Father, I also have to tell you that Xahar's monster decided to mate with my mare.  You'll get to see what a crossbreed can do."

"Wonderful," he said happily. "My mare as well," he said as he walked her off.  "One day, he'll have to fix that stallion of his."

Xahar coughed.  "I'm getting Mica to magically castrate him but not physically," he offered.  "Sorry."

"Not a problem, Xahar. It's bound to be a strong horse."  They shook hands and he walked off.  "What were your tests?"

"Fighting, negotiating for a free meal from a tavern keeper, archery, and drinking.  One of the King's choices won that last one.  I won the archery one and came in third for negotiations.  Fiedra came in first there.  Xahar said if there was a tie, he'd have us all waiting tables tomorrow in a tavern to see who could blend in among the commoners best."

"That would show humility," the Lady noted.

"It would also show stealth and cunning," the Lord praised.  "Spy work is very hard."

"So I've heard," she agreed, grinning up at him.  "Hopefully I won't have to go on that yet."

"No, but you may get to escort one of the princesses up on their state visits," the mother offered, putting an arm around her adopted daughter's waist.  She was so proud of one of her girls.  Even if this girl had originally belonged to their stable keeper.   She had learned their lessons beautifully and was now a Knight. It was prestigious.

The Lord looked at her and winked.  "You'll need new armor and dress clothes."

"Plus a few gowns for those Court functions you have to attend," the Lady offered quickly.  "I'll have to get the protocol for that so you don't make a misstep."  The new knight nodded, letting her go after that.  She hadn't cared about that stuff, but her mother did so she let her fuss over her clothes.

***
 

Ballor came back from waking up the other squires in the courtyard and sending them off, smirking at Cook.  "He almost had them wait tables."

Cook burst out in giggles.  "That I'd have killed to see," he said dryly.  "That would have ruined those two for life."

"Only if they got hit on," Xahar said from the doorway.  "I'm starved, Cook.  When's dinner?"

"There's a Court dinner tonight," he reminded him.

"Yes, but there's an elf in residence and the Queen told me to go and hide before I had to get violent with him again," he said sweetly, grinning at him.  "He was most distressed to find that he had been sent *here*, among the heathens, for his problems back in Tirjay.  He came in complaining and someone already hit him ...accidentally of course."  He smirked at Cook.  "So you have me for the night and probably for most of the rest of the week."

Someone pounded on the door and Cook sighed, going to answer it.  "What?" he asked the guard.  He was handed a small cloaked bundle.  "What's wrong?"

"She and the elf got into it and the Queen wanted her guarded by Xahar for a bit," he said grimly.  "She said he could easily guard the princess and protect her from her own instincts, which were to rip out his hair by the roots when he insulted her dress."  He shrugged. "She asked her grandmother if she looked okay and pretty enough to meet the new elf ambassador and he answered.  It's not going to be a pretty dinner."

"Sure," Xahar said from behind Cook, taking Miradin from him.  He peeked under the cloak, grinning. "Don't feel bad, I stabbed him when he insulted me."  She giggled at that and pushed her hood back.  "What happened to your cheek?" he demanded.

"He pushed me into the wall, I falled," she said bitterly.

"We've got bruise stuff," Cook reminded him.

Xahar nodded at the guard.  "We'll protect her.  She can sleep in a guest room if necessary."  He nodded and hurried off.  "Come on, princess.  Let's get that looked at."

"Mage Mica snapped at him and called him rude and ugly," she said firmly.

"Good.  He was," Xahar agreed, carrying her into the kitchen.  He sat her on the table so he could look at her cheek closer, getting some bruise ointment from the chill box to put on it.  She winced and hissed but it was good, he knew it was because he used it.  "There, that should clear up by morning, Miradin."  She hugged him.  "Are you hungry?"

"Yes, please.  Can we have meat?"

Cook looked at her. "It'll take longer.  All I've got are the veggies Xahar here likes so much."

Miradin shrugged. "I guess I can.  I've had to eat veggies in the past."  Cook smiled at that.  "Sometimes the ambassadors eat strange things," she told him grimly.  "We had to serve fish on moss to one.  The moss didn't add very good flavor."

Liset walked in and looked at their guest.  "Did you run away?"

"No, I was carried away before I pulled the ugly and rude elf's hair out.  Well, more out," she admitted.  "I kinda got a few handfuls already."

"Like I told her, I stabbed him, she shouldn't feel bad about some hair pulling."

"Liset, can you teach me not to fall?" Miradin asked.  "I'd like that. I keep tripping over my feet while I dance."

"Sure, we'll work on it tonight and you can have my bed since our boss here hasn't bought more."

"I thought I did," he complained.

"Nope, not yet, boss," Ballor admitted as he came in.  "Hey, princess."

"Hi, Ballor.  Can I help you feed the horses later?"

"Sure," he promised, patting her on the head.  "Right after you get done with Liset and we have dinner, okay?"  She grinned and nodded. "Cook, what's for dinner and do I need to run out?"

"That's right, you have a date," Xahar said dryly.  "Go, I can feed the horses with her."

"You sure, boss?"

"Out!" he said, pointing.  "Before you mope all week!"  Ballor grinned and headed out to his date.  "He's so shy sometimes," he told Liset.  "I don't know why.  His girl likes his arm muscles."

"And his hair, boss.  Don't forget his hair," Liset offered sarcastically.  "Why don't we check on the horses first, Miradin, then we'll come in and practice while Cook finishes supper."

"Sure."  She walked out with her, leaving her cloak on the table.

Cook shook his head as he hung it up.  "This is not a good sign."

"As long as the elves don't invade, it should be fine," Xahar promised. "If they do, we can easily defend that one princess."

"Good point," he agreed, looking at him.  "Hey, um, boss?"  Xahar sat down, looking at him.  "You know I'm a mage, right?"  He nodded.  "How did you know?"

"Oh, little things here and there.  The bookshelves are never out of order, even when we mess them up.  The kitchen has always put out good food since you've been here, nothing's ever spoiled except for that one time with the milk and you looked really startled at that.  We haven't replaced a candle in two years," he noted.  "That was the biggest tip-off.  Plus, Mica told me to make sure I knew.  So, what happened?"

"I was a battle mage, boss," he said quietly.  "I had to kill in the last elf war."

Xahar nodded.  "I understand.  It happens to the best of us.  Just do protections if you can't do anything else."

"What about your education?"

"Well, I'm learning now and then, but only things to help me when I get taken.  Lock release spells.  Repainting room spells.  I figure that'll be a great annoyance," he said with a wink and a grin.  "Things like that.  Plus some attraction spells to do anti-ones when we travel."

"Smart thinking," he offered. "You need help."

"No, I'm doing okay."

"That wasn't a question, it was a statement.  When you travel, you need help.  More help'n Ballor and Liset can give most of the time.  If you need my help, you can come to me for it."

"Sure, Cook.  Thanks."  He stood up and patted him on the back.  "Make some meat?  I'm starved."

"Fine, give me a few minutes to heat some leftovers up," he said patiently.  "Pork fine?"

"Just fine.  Oh, remind me to tell Ballor he gets to smack into the tree this time while hunting deer during our Solstice trip.  Rivetna said it'd be fun for the little ones if he did."  He strolled off.

"What?" Cook asked, looking confused.  Liset and Miradin came in.  "He said Ballor gets to hit a tree during your solstice trip because it'd amuse the little dragons?"

"The last time Ballor went hunting deer he got so involved that he nearly ran through a tree," she said dryly.  "Since we'll be unable to eat with the dragon's from their tables, or be kept if we do, then we'll have to hunt. I'm sure he'll have a lot of fun doing that."  She sat Miradin down at the table and took some of the scrape medicine to work on her new knee scrape.  "The door bit her."

"Ah.  Had that happen a few times. I told that groom to hammer down that nail."

"No, it was the wood.  It tried to close on her and she didn't quite move fast enough," she offered, grinning at the princess.  "We can fix that too."  She grinned back.  "Good girl.  No real woman would ever cry from a little scrape like that.  We only cry from big ones, like this," she said, showing off one on her arm.  "That hurt."

"Was that a door?"

"No, it was a flying bar bench," she said dryly.  "Someone tried to club me to death with it."  She giggled at that.  "Yeah, I thought the same thing," she admitted. "Not a very good weapon and fairly heavy too.  My sword took good care of it and I only got hit the once."  She got her knee fixed and then helped her back up.  "We'll be in the conservatory."

"Sure," Cook agreed, watching them walk off together.  He shook his head. "Another warrior princess is born," he sighed, smirking at them.  "She'll be a good one.  She's energetic and smart.  Lots like Liset at times.  Wonder if she'd yank out elf hair too."

"By then double-handful," Liset called back.  "Especially if one insulted me.  But thank you for the nice compliment.  She's giggling over it."

"Welcome," he called back, pulling the pork shoulder out of the chill box and putting it in the oven to rewarm.  Xahar's diet was picky but when he needed meat, he needed real meat and lots of meat.

***
 

Xahar walked the young princess back into the palace, back in her cloak. He nodded at most everyone they walked past, grinning at them.  "Where's the Queen or the Prince and Princess?" he asked a guard when they came to the audience chamber and it was silent.

"In the garden, Xahar," he said, looking down at their princess.  He shifted her cloak out, looking at her outfit.  "Liset teach you?" he teased with a grin.  She stomped on his foot and smirked, then nodded, heading that way.

"Liset said she'd make a very good warrior," Xahar told him, grinning at him hopping around.  "I'm sure she's sorry."

"I'll get her back someday in training," he said dryly.  "Shoo, before she gets into trouble."

"Sure."  He hurried after the princess, catching up to her bragging to one of the knights. "Liset said she had real promise and wanted me to make sure she got a good trainer," he offered.  The knight stared at him in horror. "Liset's a very good fighter."

"She is," he agreed.  "Otherwise you'd be one of Kozur's pets again."

"Did she get out?"

"Escaped right before her execution, took her playmates with her but headed for the border again.  We did manage to keep all of Prince Keivghn's men but his father wanted him back.  They're negotiating back and forth in letters, so he's still in the jail too."

"Good.  Let's hope he rots something off," he said dryly.  "Gardens?"

"Fountain actually."

"Feeding the fishies?" Miradin asked.  "That's my job!"  She ran that way and Xahar jogged after her.  She pounced her grandfather, making him shout and toss the fish food. " You said that was my job to prove I was responsible and adult enough to have a kitty, grandfather. I should pout."

The queen and the crown princess looked at her outfit, then at Xahar.  Thinian, her mother, gave Xahar a pointed look.  "Explanations?" she asked plainly.

"Liset said she's very good, needs a good trainer, that her clumsiness is normal and easily overcome with some balance work, and that she has the makings of a good warrior."

"She took me shopping for armor, mommy, do you like it?" Miradin asked with a grin.  "She said it's very practical, yet very pretty, and that I'd be a wonderful warrior."

"You will," Thinian agreed firmly, patting her daughter on the back.  "Now, get off the king so he can see your new armor."  She helped her daughter stand up and straighten herself out, then removed her cloak.  "Thank you, Xahar," she said with a grin.

"Liset said to have one of the knight's trainers train her.   That she could use the fencing footwork stuff first and it wasn't too heavy at her age."

"She's only six," the king complained.

"I learned how to hunt with a bow and arrow at that age, father," Frederick offered from his seat.  "Come, let me see, daughter."  She bounced over and preened for him, turning so he could see the sides and the back.  "It's very pretty.  Where did Liset find it for you?"

"At the armor shop she and Ballor use.  She said it's real armor, just made for little people.  She said this one must have belonged to a dwarf princess by the size and how they had to take in the laces."

"Interesting," the queen agreed.

"Very interesting," Frederick offered.  They both grinned at Xahar, who had snuck off so they were grinning at empty air.  "So, what should we teach you first, daughter?  Riding, fencing?  Archery, like me?"

"Fencing sounds good," Thinian noted patiently.  "She's still too small for much riding work, but it'd be a good time to start her off."

The king looked at them.  "She's a little girl.  Can't she feed the fish and help the flowers grow?"

"She'll do that too," Frederick promised.  "My daughter's not going to just be a warrior woman. She'll also be literate and able to be a princess at the same time."

"Good," the king agreed.

"Then can I have a new story, daddy?" Miradin asked, crawling into his lap to cuddle him.  "Liset told me one last night, but it was about how some stupid foreign traders tried to take her hostage so she hit them with their pots."

"Why did they take her hostage?" he asked.

"They thought she was pretty and didn't understand she was a warrior too.  Apparently in their land, girls were just girly little things that only sewed and hid from everyone."

"Ah, I know them," he admitted. "I went there on a state visit."  He grinned at his mother.  "She wouldn't."

"I'm not stupid, son, they wouldn't talk to me anyway," the queen said dryly, going back to the fish.  "You will still have to continue to take care of the fish to earn your pet, Miradin.  No matter what else you are studying.  If you are in the palace, it's your job, except for today."

"The same goes for you getting a horse when you're old enough," Thinian told her.  She beamed and nodded.  "By then, maybe Liset's foal will be old enough."

"Or one of the other ones that stallion fathered," the king said dryly.  "Morganis has two now with his daughter's future one."

"Xahar was talking to Mica about that last night," Miradin reported.  "He wanted it done magically but not physically because that would make him one pitiful pony and he didn't want that for his poor horsie."

"I agree, he needs something with some spirit," the king offered, shaking his head. "At least there won't be any more foals for a while."

"Grandpa?  What happened to the elf?  Ballor said I should make a token apology."

"You probably should but we sent him home last night," he said gently.  "He was only here on a layover to deliver a message."

"Oh.  Okay.  Can you help me write one out?  He said princesses do this stuff and it's their duty to not ignore it.  Otherwise it could make others mad."

"Sure.  We'll work on that later, while I find you a suitable teacher."  She beamed and looked up at her father.  "Tell the girl a story, she deserves it for impressing Liset."

"She does," Frederick agreed, giving her a hug and whispering in her ear.  She giggled and swatted at him but got up and went to pounce her grandmother, who only laughed and hugged her.  "She's got a good pounce, we'll have to get her a battle cry worthy of it."

"We will," the queen agreed happily.  "I'm very proud of you, Miradin."

"Thank you, grandmother."  She gave her another hug.  "Story!"  Her father laughed and picked up a scroll just for her.  He usually had at least one around him because his daughter liked them so much and it helped her to read better.
 

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