Watching over Sleeping Beauty (Moments from Miranda's Past)

Prelude Miranda moved silently among the gathered group of men. She carried a delicate silver tray with the finest porcelain cups, keeping her eyes lowered to serve the drinks. Were it any but P re who asked this of her, she would surely have balked at the ignominy of it, but it pleased him to have her adorn his most important meetings. Pleasing him pleased her, so around she went. Reaching the man who was the leader of the delegation from the southern city, she did her best to curtsy while holding out the silver tray. She felt the sudden flare of possessive desire from him, shocked she raised her eyes to his face. The fragile cups shivered musically as Miranda fought to hold the tray still while she battled revulsion. "What was this creature doing here?" Before she could look away, she saw the hurt sadness, and the deep resignation in his eyes. This, too disturbed her and she backed away as quickly as she could, retreating to the door. As she moved away she could hear her Sire, P re, say "She's a vain little thing. She will be punished for displeasing you, I assure you." The two men lapsed into french, and almost grateful that she couldn't fully understand what was said, Miranda moved off to her own chambers.