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Zahn refused to allow himself to smile, but she detected the upturned corner of one side of his mouth.

“Is there anything I can get you?” Zahn asked.

“No, but I think I’d like to go sit in the sun room.”

“Come, I’ll help you get there, and then Rel and I will pretend we are not with you.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

~~~

“I tried, Sovereigna. Her security blocked my attempt to visit. I was not even able to see her personally.” The female was visibly upset.

“It’s alright, Mirilla. Vivian is very near the birth of her youngling. Her emotions are at an unsettled high. She is easily upset and overly fatigued. Her protective instincts are most active and she’s just been moved from the security of her home aboard Command Warship 1 to the palace where everything about her day to day life is changing. Do not take her actions to heart. She is genuine and kind. I have no doubt you’ll become friends and she’ll no longer be guarded with you,” Eula said.

“I do hope that you’re right. I’ll keep trying,” Mirilla said.

“I knew that if they waited until the end of her pregnancy to move to the palace she’d feel more out of sorts than necessary. But no one ever listens to me!” Eula said, shaking her head.

“It sounds that she is going through a lot of changes. I will remember all you’ve said and I’ll try to see her again soon.”

“Please do. Perhaps try in just a little while. I know that most of those visiting with her today have gone off to tour the grounds. She should be there and perhaps is more relaxed without everyone there.”

“Her guard will still be there…”

“Yes, but you can ask them to let her know you’re there. If she’s less harried, she may be more accepting. At the very least, they relay your best wishes to her on your behalf if she’s not feeling up to seeing you.”

“If you don’t think I’ll be a nuisance for returning so soon, I will try again. Perhaps you could go with me,” Mirilla suggested.

“I simply can’t today. I’ve been needed elsewhere all day. But,” Eula said, an idea beginning to form, she paused to think it through. “Perhaps you could deliver a message to Vivian for me. Tell her that I sent you to let her know that I have been detained today with duties that I can’t ignore, but that I hope to be able to spend time with her tomorrow. Tell her that I’ve sent you on my behalf to make sure that she is comfortable and is not in need of anything.”

“I will try.”

“In fact, tell her guard that you have a message for her that you must deliver personally. I just know that if she’ll accept any assistance at all, her acclimation to life here will be so much easier. She’s simply not accustomed to having support staff. And I know you’ll be great friends once she meets you. She’s a wonderful judge of character and will see the same things in you that I do.”

“I’ll try, Sovereigna.”

~~~

After a quick bite to eat in the dining room, Mirilla gathered her dishes and brought them to the kitchen. As she rinsed them, she smiled to herself as the voice she expected met her ears from the other side of the kitchen.

“I have told you so many times that washing your dishes isn’t your job that I have lost count!”

Mirilla laughed, her soft feminine laugh carrying across the short distance between herself and Jof Ta. “And I have told youjust as many times that it is not the job of any other to pick up behind me. I am not a noble.”

“No, but you’re a personal friend to our Sovereigna,” Jof Ta said. “And you also oversee her private staff. Besides, you’re kind.”

“But I’m still just Mirilla. In fact, I don’t want anyone to even consider picking up after me. I can do it myself.”

“Doesn’t mean that you should deny others their responsibilities if they enjoy performing them,” Jof Ta grumbled.

“I’m not. I’m just clearing the way for them to tend to those they’re supposed to instead of catering to me.” She finished rinsing her plates and placed them in the racks to dry before she turned to face Jof Ta, pecked a kiss to his cheek and quickly left the kitchen.

“You’re a stubborn female, Mirilla!” he called after her.

“Lunch was delicious, Jof Ta! Thank you!” she answered, laughing again as she left through the service hallway that connected the main kitchen to the East kitchen.

“It is too late for lunch! It is almost time for evening meal!” he called back. “And if you come back for evening meal, do not wash your dishes!”

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