Daine paced the room, trying to sort her thoughts out. Although she had slept the whole night, she woke feeling exhausted. Gainel had visited her again…with more instructions for Almira's "lesson". On top of that, Daine also had to find a way for the court to accept the girl, or there would be serious problems. The previous night had been chaotic, and most of the palace residents were not listening to reason. With a sigh, Daine got dressed. She then proceeded to ride Cloud to the city, to find a seamstress. Most of them were friendly enough, until they realized whom their customer would be. No one wanted to go near the "creature" that had caused so much turmoil, even if it was only a little girl.

After what felt like hours, Daine was struck with an idea. Kel. Or rather, Kel's former-maid. Although Lalassa had been rather timid in the past, she was now a self-assured no-nonsense seamstress.

Lalassa paled a little when Daine explained her situation, but in the end she agreed to make Mira's dress for the prince's birthday that was the next day.

"OUCH!"

"Oh really, I hardly pricked you. And that wouldn't happen if you would stop moving."

Mira glared at the older girl. Lalassa had arrived and gotten down to business in a few short minutes. Mira had been just getting out of bed. The measurements had been taken, and the cloth picked out beforehand. The past hour had been Mira standing while Lalassa made adjustments. And standing still for an hour was beyond Mira's abilities. She twitched and shifted constantly while Lalassa constantly reprimanded her for it. Finally, Lalassa gave a string a final tug and said the dress would be finished in time for the party the next day.

With that, Mira bolted toward the door without as much as a thank-you. Unfortunately, a large figure blocked her way. Once again Mira scowled; this time it was at her brother-in-law. He never stopped pestering her about her home, and it was getting on her nerves.

"Almira, there you are." the tall mage began. But this time he didn't have questions, but orders. "Daine has found a job for you." He announced happily. Mira stared at him.

"A what?"

"A job. It's a form a work--"

"I know what a job is. What does that have to do with me?" She demanded. Numair didn't seem to notice her dissatisfaction, for he simply continued.

"Daine was told you're to have a job. After the other night's disturbance, it's been rather difficult to find a place willing to have you. However, there is one, and it seems rather appropriate considering you're connection to animals."

Mira sighed, waiting for him to get to the point. In the end, it didn't matter what the job was. She would ensure that the place didn't want her back the next day. She raised and eyebrow, waiting for the mage to finish babbling.

"Stables." He announced. "Stefan said he'd be willing to let you work there, as a thank-you for all of the horses Daine has healed. You will assist one of the stable hands he chooses." He smiled at the young girl as if she should be happy. The girl shrugged, knowing the job wouldn't last.

"Fine." Was her indifferent reply. "When and where."

"The stables in an hour." Numair answered as he turned to go. Suddenly, he spun back around. "Oh, I almost forgot to ask. When an immortal eats—"

Mira groaned and put her head in her hands. The questions never stopped.

Stefan felt sorry for the young hostler. Stefan had to put the girl with someone that wouldn't get frightened around some rumored half-goddess. Or half-demon, depending on the person telling the rumor. The person couldn't be the type that let other walk over him or her. Unfortunately for Aden, he was the only worker Stefan thought capable for the job. The young man looked rather unhappy at the notion.

"But Stefan, I prefer to work alone. She'll get in the way of my work—"

"It's yer job to make sure she doan't get in th'way. Daine sez she's t' become a good worker, and learn the meaning of 'hard work'."

Aden opened his mouth to protest, but the head hostler held up his hand. "I know. It ain fair. But it got's t'be done. Hopefully, she'll be gone soon. Yer the only one that kin do this." With that, Stefan left stable and headed to the latrine.

Aden stood slowly and shook his head. He didn't like this. Not at all. While he wasn't afraid of the girl, he didn't like to be around new people. He preferred horses. The last thing he wanted to do was work with some spoiled whiny girl-to-be-a-goddess. Well, she would work; he'd see to that. No matter what she tried to pull, he'd make sure she would work. And eventually, she'd wimp out and leave him to his work. With t hat, he started to clean out the stalls.

Mira had finally got rid of Numair, and put on some work clothes. She knew her mother would throw a fit if she saw Mira wearing breaches; so she enjoyed wearing them. She then headed out of the palace, most people mistaking her for a servant.

The moment she got outside, she was bombarded with dozens of animals, all of them trying to get her attention. She shooed them away with a thought. After seeing the head hostler, she headed toward the stables to find the person she was to work with. Caden rushed toward her as she neared the forest.

Where have you been?

"Getting fitted for a dress." She answered with a face. Caden made a sound that seemed like a scoff.

You mean those clothes that make humans look silly?

"Yes. And they go through a ridiculous amount of trouble to look silly." She replied with a toss of her hair. The day had started bad, and she was not in a good mood.

You want to go for a ride? Caden looked hopeful. Things were more interesting with the girl around, and she was more fun to talk to…or argue with.

Mira shook her head tiredly. She told him of her new "job" in the stables. If she didn't hurry, she'd be late. With that, she continued toward the part of the stables she was assigned to help with.

When she got there, she could hear someone in one of the stalls. Mira looked in each stall until she got to the last one. She stuck her head in and saw a young man cleaning the stall. This apparently was the last one he had to clean. Mira could see he had tanned skin and dark brown hair that reached the middle of his ears. Mira gave an annoyed cough as she stood with her hands on her hips. He turned so suddenly, she jumped back a little. He also had dark brown eyes that matched his hair. Mira was surprised to see he had a handsome face. She frowned at that thought, and shook it off. He had an unreadable look on his face as he stared at her. She glared back in return.

"It's rude to stare." She snapped.

"The rules of rich people rarely apply to me." He answered.

Mira frowned again. This time at his speech. He was obviously a commoner, with the calloused hands and dirty clothes. Where did he learn to speak like that? He was not only learned, but intelligent. Or so he seemed. Finally, he said something.

"You Mira?" he asked. Mira stiffened at his use of her name.

"It's Almira." She said stubbornly. "I suppose you're Aden?" Mira asked with a touch of condescension. She smiled as she saw him stiffen. Without a word, he tossed something at her.

"Put new hay into the stalls, stablehand. If you do it wrong, you'll have to do it again." was all he said to her after that.

Ok ok, I know. This took forever to write. Lo siento. I had to kinda rush through this chapter, but it'll get better. Anyway, please R AND R peoples. Thanx a bunch!