I was having a bit of trouble trying to write this one up. Three reviews. To me, that's good enough.

Chapter 6

Countess Laura Skeffington

"Alright now," announced the Queen, "If everyone assigned to accompany me is ready, we'll set out to the docks!"

"Everything and everyone is ready, Your Majesty." A blonde Lady in a beautifully designed silver dress curtsied.

"Thank you, Lady Claire." replied Pamela, "Madame Larson will you kindly stay at Vienna and watch over the King for me?"

"Of course." answered the lady in green.

"Bye Vicky!" Clarie hugged Madame Larson or Vicky as she calls her.

"Have a safe trip Claire." Vicky answered back when they pulled apart from the embrace, "Watch over the Queen."

"I sure will. Keep your promise and watch over the King."

The footman took Pamela's hand and helped her up to the carriage.

Princess Michelle and Denise stood next to the window of the carriage telling the Queen to be safe and make sure the horses don't go so fast.

"Honestly. What is the big deal? It's only a trip to the docks and back!" cried the footman.

Claire gave him a look, "Are you new here, sir? Because the path from Vienna to the nearby sea is rather dangerous and people rarely come back without a scratch. To make it more dangerous, it was raining yesterday! Mudslides...who knows what will happen!"

"Calm down, Claire, you wouldn't want to scare Pamela before the horses even step foot out the gates." whispered Vicky.

Claire nodded before she too climbed into the carriage.

Off to the docks.

Stephanie watched from her chamber. She was still troubled by her mother's words earlier. How she said something about a longer trip. How she told the Grand Duke to take care of them. It made no sense. Trip to the docks! Besides, Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky are going to be there with her. Along with them, more ladies-in-waiting and others.

A tear made it's way down her cheek slowly.

Now she's started to have a feeling that it may be the last time she sees her mother. But she refuses to believe that.

"Are you alright, Steph?" asked Gia coming up to the window.

"You seem so distracted since you got back from your talk with the Queen." added Mickey.

"Just something I heard," said Stephanie softly.

Gia and Mickey, knowing the Princess probably didn't want to talk about whatever she heard decided to comfort her.

"Cheer up now. Your relatives are visiting and you wouldn't want to look like a mess."

She gave a weak smile, "Sorry if I'm worrying you. I guess I'm just worrying about someone."

"Whoever it is will be alright." said Mickey.

"I'm sure." finished Gia.

"I hope you're right about that." Getting up. "Cause that person is very important."

"In titles?"

"As a person." corrected Stephanie.

"Countess Skeffington." announced a voice outside.

"Enter."

A red hair woman with amber eyes entered with a cheerful smile on her face. She's about forty-five or so but look's the same age as Stephanie. Clothes much more brighter than that of Lancaster. Whom is her sister. The two Ramirez sisters. Stephanie and everyone else would have never known that if Skeffington had not told. The two sisters look so different. One with a head of graying black hair, but the other with hair red as flames despite her age. Jane Lancaster's husband, James Lancaster is a man who almost can't stand up for himself while Laura Skeffington's husband, Mac Skeffington and her live a peaceful life.

"Lady Princess! Good to see you again! How has your day been going?" sang Skeffington.

Just the same as Michelle, Stephanie no longer sees her governess daily. It is good seeing her because Skeffington gives such good advice. Always nice. Never too strict. While poor Michelle has to get stuck with a hag like Lancaster.

"It has been fine thank you." replied Stephanie trying to sound normal.

"That's wonderful dear! Now how has everything been going? Remember I am still here to help if you need me!"

"Nothing is wrong, really. Nothing too out of the ordinary if I do say so myself."

"Yeah right." whispered Gia.

The Countess turned to the Lady, "Did you say something, dear?"

"No, no, no! Of course not I was just telling Mickey here to go make the bed which we forgot to do this morning!" said Gia while ushering Mickey to go.

"Oh what responsible ladies you are!" complimented Skeffington.

Gia and Mickey curtsied simultaneously, "Thank you, Madame."

Skeffington giggled.

Stephanie just gave a smile at how naive her governess can be.

"You're fortunate to have ladies and friends such as these too." The red head pointed out.

"I bet." muttered Stephanie.

"Why is it, Princess, that you didn't see your mother off to the docks?" Skeffington asked suddenly changing the subject.

The blonde shrugged, "No reason."

"Is it something you want to talk about in private?"

Laura Skeffington can be keen when she wants to. Nothing gets by her when it concerns this woman she has watched over since she too was a young lady.

"You never lose your touch when it comes down to matters of the heart," began Stephanie, "Do you, Madame?"

She flashed a smile, "I try doing what is right. For now we shall forget everything that is expected of a world like this and discuss more important matters."

"That I like." Stephanie turned to Gia and Mickey who were arranging the pillows, "You two may be excused to do whatever you wish until I call for you."

Both hurried out the large bedroom.

"Responsible but always forget formalities." commented Skeffington. There was a pause before she continued, "I'm sure they're well aware that as a Lady-In-Waiting they are not just to turn their back and leave like that?"

The middle princess raised an eyebrow, "They do. I believe they do a very good job at everything and always being a good friend to me. Why should those little things matter so?"

The Countess' expression became serious, "There is to be another prince for a chance of a marriage and alliance correct?"

"Yes."

"That is why we must prepare and hope this marriage works. A Queen cannot let her servants running about the palace as if it were their own! Never turn your back on a Que-"

"But I'm only a Princess." injected Stephanie.

Skeffington's face relaxed, "A Princess that is to marry."

Stephanie turned her gaze to the window again. She sighed softly to herself.

"I must apologize, Princess." said Countess Skeffington suddenly.

"For what?" asked Steph, her eyes still fixed on the world outdoors.

"I promised I would speak of the heart, not formalities, but here I am rambling on like my sister about marriage. Now what is troubling you?"

Stephanie sighed, "What my mother said."

"What might that be?"

"She said she had...a feeling...that the trip will be longer..." she couldn't find her voice after the last word.

"Queen Pamela can be wise. Her 'feelings' in the past have definetly came true." Skeffington smiled fondly, "Just like her 'feeling' about three lovely daughters."

Stephanie let out something like a scoff, "I bet she is disappointed in a particular one."

"Oh no no! The Queen has never said anything like that. Only the King and his obssesion with cleanliness and marriage." She frowned, "No. Pamela Tanner is nothing like that."

"I'm glad you like her as the Tanner Kingdom's Queen."

"Yes yes, but really now. Is that all that's troubling you, dear?"

"A letter." murmered Stephanie.

"Come again?"

"A letter!" She almost screamed.

Countess Skeffinton put a hand to her heart, "Calm down, child! You nearly gave me a heart attack! What is it about this letter?"

"She was writing it after clutching a locket."

"What does that locket look like?" questioned Skeffington, trying to hide her curiosity.

"I don't know...I'm not even sure if it is a locket. I'm only guessing because I could hear the sounds of my mother's hand closing on something metallic. It may have been tiny in size though." The Princess stood up unceremoniously, "I have my own feeling it's important!"

"I hope it's not bad."