As the party in celebration of Lord Michel's birthday drew to a close, Lady Katrin Nobel stood by the doorway to thank the guests for traveling so far. When it was just the princes that remained, she turned and allowed a smile to grace her expression.

"Your Highnesses, it would honor me if you were to take tea with me before your departure this evening," she said, graciously.

"I have business to attend," Prince Keith responded. "Though I do wish I could remain a while longer, duty calls." With that, he bowed before making his leave.

"Same old Keith," Katrin murmured softly as she watched him go, the smile falling from her face. He seemed to be the only one departing the group at that time, so she turned back to the remaining five and brought back her smile once more. "This way please. Zain has already prepared a room."

With that, she turned and began leading the way out of the party hall and down the corridor toward one of the many sitting rooms. Prince Wilfred came up to her side, a shy smile on his lips, and offered his hand to her in escort. Katrin returned the smile with a small one of her own and took his hand. Together, the two led the group into a sitting room where Lord Michel's butler, Zain, waited with a steaming pot of tea.

She waited for the princes to seat themselves before taking a seat of her own, alone, opposite them.

"I must say, Kat, that you haven't changed a bit," Roberto stated, surprising everyone present. "Although, you are far more beautiful now than you were back then."

"Rob, please," she responded, an embarrassed flush touching at her cheeks. "It is true that we were all merely children when we met last, but I am surprised that I was remembered by so many."

"You are too harsh on yourself," Edward responded. "You were a friend to all of us as children. Though, I do not believe Joshua nor Keith remember you very well."

All eyes turned towards Prince Joshua, who was listening intently to their conversation, and he was shocked to see a sad smile take hold of Katrin.

"Then those memories must not have been important enough for them to remember," she said, her voice tinged with sadness as she looked away from Joshua and finished her tea.

"Would you care for some more, My Lady?" Zain asked as he moved to stand beside her.

"No, thank you. I am rather tired at the moment. I believe I will call it a night. I hope you all have safe travels back to your kingdoms, and to see you all at the next ball."

The princes rose to their feet as Katrin did, bowing in return to her curtsy before she departed from the room. The other princes soon followed suit, until Joshua was the last remaining. He turned to Zain, who masked his surprise with a smile.

"Is there something I can help you with, Your Highness?" Zain asked, waiting for Joshua to say whatever he needed to.

"Please convey my wishes to the Lady Katrin that she come visit the Kingdom of Dres Van soon," Joshua replied curtly. Zain bowed in response as the prince left to return to his home.

~~~

Morning dawned bright and early, and Katrin opened her eyes slowly against the light. She heard a quiet knock at the door and responded, watching as it opened to reveal Zain, carrying his usual tea tray.

"Good morning, My Lady. I hope I did not wake you," he said, bowing his head in apology.

"Oh no, I had just woken up as he knocked," Katrin responded, sitting up and reaching for the silken robe hanging beside her bed. Slipping that on, she got up and made her way over to her desk, which had a number of papers piled on it. As Zain placed the cup of tea beside her, she sighed, eyeing the doctors report in her hand. "Grandfather truly is not well, though he tries so hard to appear so..."

"No, he is not, My Lady," Zain said solemnly as he gazed at the report himself. "He is resting late this morning, and will not be taking breakfast in the dining hall. Shall I have your breakfast brought here?" In response to Katrin's nod, Zain bowed before leaving to retrieve her breakfast from the kitchens.

The Lady Katrin was going over the various reports from the six kingdoms when he returned. She was reading the one from Dres Van, which was talking about the growing tensions between it and the kingdom of Nerwan to the east.

"My Lady, Prince Joshua of Dres Van wished for me to convey his wishes that you visit him in his kingdom."

"Oh? Whatever for?" Katrin asked, her surprise evident in her expression.

"He did not say. Do you wish for me to send for Miss Gwen to prepare your belongings for a diplomatic trip?"

Katrin seemed to think this over before nodding. "Yes. Have her prepare some casual clothing as well. Please contact His Highness' butler to let him know I will be coming to stay for a few days."

"Of course, My Lady."

With that, Zain bowed once more before exiting the room. Katrin continued to look over the reports as her maidservant, Gwen, entered and began to pack her belongings.