Chapter 12

"Good morning, Eli!" Thayet greeted brightly the next morning as Eliena dragged herself into the common room in the guest wing. Eliena muttered something unintelligible and sat down in one of the chairs.

"What?" Gary asked, smiling. Eliena glared at him.

"Food," she replied. "Give me food." Gary handed her a plate laden with breakfast goodies. She dug into it.

"Hungry, are we?" Numair teased. Eliena glared at the mage.

"Good morning," Duke Gareth greeted, walking in, fully clothed. Eliena glanced around and saw that the men were all dressed, while the women had dressing gowns buttoned up over their nightshirts. "Eliena, Thayet, you had best get dressed?"

"Excuse me?" Eliena asked, blinking at her uncle. "Uncle Gareth, I just got up."

"Yes, Eliena. Meetings start within the hour," he replied. Eliena sighed.

"Must I go, father?" she asked.

"Yes, Eli. It is the first day. Daine, you had best come for openings," Gareth replied. Eliena groaned and rose.

"Give me a few minutes." She began to walk in the direction of the women's side. "I suppose breeches would not be appropriate?" She called.

"No!" Numair, Lord Martin, Gareth, Thayet, and Gary cried. Eliena's laugh echoed as she walked into her room. She sifted through her gowns and found a perfect one: a simple tank dress with a square neckline. The pale yellow went well with her dark hair and coloring. It did nothing for her eyes, but that was all right. Her eyes always got attention anyway.

"Daine?" Eliena called. "What are you wearing?" Daine, who was across the hall, held up a royal blue dress. Eliena nodded. "Thayet?" Thayet walked to the door, all dressed in a jade dress that produced green tones in her hazel eyes. "Fantastic. Everyone ready?" Eliena, Daine, and Thayet went back to the common room. Numair, Gary, and Gareth rose. Gary offered Thayet his arm, who accepted with a smile. They were close friends. Numair took Daine, leaving Eliena with her uncle. Gareth smiled at her.

"It looks like I have you, Eli," he said, and bowed. "I would be honored, your highness, if you would allow me the distinct pleasure of accompanying you to the meeting." Eliena giggled and accepted.

"Of course, uncle," she replied. Standing on tiptoe, Eliena kissed his cheek. "I'd rather go with you any day."

Gareth chuckled. "You're a liar, Eliena, but a flattering one."

Eliena smiled, her eyes twinkling wickedly. "I'm terrible, just like my mother."

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An hour later, Eliena wished she were her mother. Then she wouldn't be subject to this torture. She was bored out of her mind, and kept trying to hide her yawns, only to be polite. Daine was seated beside her, and seemed to be slowly falling asleep. Gareth noticed the girls' bored looks, and nudged Eliena.

"You can leave. Kaddar looks ready to leave as well," he whispered.

"Thank you," Eliena muttered. She cleared her throat. "Excuse me, Your Imperial Majesty, but might Veralidaine and I take our leave?" Ozorne smiled.

"Of course, Your Royal Highness," he replied. "Kaddar, accompany them." Kaddar rose and bowed.

"As you wish, uncle." He walked down to Eliena and Daine, who followed him out. Once outside, he smiled at them. "Thank you. Now, I suppose I should know what to call you." He bowed. "I am His Royal Highness Prince Kaddar, but you may call me Kaddar, as I assume we'll be spending a large amount of time together." Eliena curtsied.

"Her Royal Highness Princess Eliena of Conté," she replied. Daine curtsied deeper than Eliena, being of commoner descent. "Eliena or Eli to my friends."

"Veralidaine Sarrasri," she introduced. "Daine."

"A pleasure meeting you both," Kaddar said. "Now, what would you like to see?"

"Everything," Eliena replied. Kaddar laughed.

"I can only show you some things. Your whole delegation will see the menagerie later," he said.

"Well, then," Eliena remarked. "Shall we go, then?" She started down the hall and turned back. "Uh, who's the stranger here?"

Kaddar laughed and went to meet her. Daine walked several paces behind, watching Eliena. She's a flirt, Daine thought with a sigh. I wish I could do that!

Author's Note- so… that was kind of a filler. Next chapter holds the menagerie part. Yes, Chelsea, lots of Numy-ness. But there will also be Varice, so mentally prepare yourself. Now, my darlings, REVIEW!