"Viviane…" he whispered her name softly, caressingly, lingering over it as though it were a precious jewel.

In response her head tilted back on her slim, elegant neck, and he pressed a kiss to it. Then another, working his way up to her mouth. Her dress was being unlaced, and this time she wanted it to be. He sighed deeply. "Viviane…"

Viviane stretched luxuriously in her enormous bed, smiling slightly as she remembered the dream. As a courtesan, it was her job to please men, but never before had she dreamt of actually wanting the man, heart and soul. It was a strange experience for her, and she did not wish to dwell upon it. As she usually did with the unwelcome thoughts that were not needed, she pushed the memory of the dream to the back of her mind. Sitting up, she stretched again, admiring the contrast that her creamy skin made with the rich golden orange of the silk bedclothes. Stretching her arms to the sides, she luxuriated in the feeling of the silk bed curtains against her smooth fingers. Smiling to herself, she slowly pushed the covers back, letting her legs slid out of the bed onto the rich golden carpet that lay beside it. Standing up, she walked over to her wardrobe, pressing the bell to ring for her maid, Ariana, to attend her.

Ariana, being an experienced and loyal maid, was at Viviane's side in moments, and Viviane smiled graciously at her. "What shall I wear today, Ariana?" she asked.

Ariana opened the wardrobe, pursing her pretty lips together as she considered. "What do you have planned, Lady Viviane?" she asked.

Viviane shrugged, expressionless. "I have no set plans as of yet," she replied.

"Then perhaps…a simple morning gown, suitable for walking and visiting?" Ariana suggested, pulling out a lovely dark blue gown of satin, complete with small puffed sleeves and trimmed with emerald green lace. Viviane nodded. "That will do nicely, thank you, Ariana," she said.

Ariana nodded, helping her mistress out of the pink silken nightgown she wore and into the blue morning gown.

Viviane seated herself before her mirror. "My hair, Ariana?"

Ariana curtsied, hastening over to twist Viviane's thick, dark hair into a tight braided bun at the base of her neck. She fastened a small golden chain around Viviane's neck, added golden bracelets set with emeralds, and finished off the effect with gold and emerald hairpins.

Viviane smiled. "Lovely," she said. "Lovely."

Just then a knock came at the door.

Viviane raised an elegant eyebrow. "Who is it?" she called out, her voice musical.



"An envoy of His Majesty, King Frederick!" cried a voice from the other side of the door.

Viviane's eyebrow went higher. "Let him in, Ariana," she said. Ariana nodded, heading over to the ornately carved door. Viviane turned back to the mirror. Tilting her head, she considered her reflection. She had just pinched her cheeks to add color when Ariana let the envoy in.

"Lady Viviane?" he asked. He was young, and looked new. Viviane didn't recognize him.

She turned to face him fully, a welcoming smile on her face. "Yes?"

She could tell that he was shocked by her. Men often were, and this one looked to be a virgin to boot. Smiling seductively, she said "What is it?"

Gulping slightly, the young envoy stammered "K-king Frederick requests your immediate presence in his study. He has business to discuss with you. He says to tell you it's urgent."

This time Viviane raised both eyebrows. "Urgent, is it?" she smiled. "Tell his Majesty that I will be there as soon as possible."

The envoy nodded. When he didn't leave, Viviane added "You may go."

Blushing, the young man turned and practically sprinted from the room.

As the door slammed shut, Ariana chuckled slightly. "You really ought to tone it down a little around boys like him, Lady Viviane," she reproved.

Viviane smiled. "I ought to, but that would really spoil all my fun," she purred.

Despite herself, Ariana laughed again. "As you wish, Lady Viviane. Now, I take it you would like to change before your meeting with the King?"

A broad grin crossed Viviane's face. "But of course," she said smoothly. "I always want to look my best in front of His Majesty."