A/N: The more I reread what I wrote, the more I realize the subtle influence a certain TV show I love had over my story. Brownie point to anyone who can guess what it is.

Besides that, enjoy!

Chapter 6

Nicholas sleeps very shallowly through the night in order to wake up on time to start the first day of the biggest day of his life. Nicholas wakes up the same as he would every other day. His habits kick in and he begins like he would usually by getting dressed. He turns to his left to open the drawer with his clothes in it...and finds a wall.

Just a wall there. Deep brown, plain yet elegant, but nonetheless, a wall. "Wait, what?" Nicholas thinks to himself. Then everything comes back at once. The letter, the trip, the meeting, the tour, and finally the house. His house. His own, brand new house. Nicholas flips over in bed and looks at the miniature grandfather clock on the bedside table. Only 5:00. Much earlier than he thought. His mind must have subconsciously remembered what an important day it is. Nicholas takes a deep breath to calm his now panicking heart and begins to run through his new routine.

First: get dressed. Nicholas pulls his handmade apron and one of his undershirts out of his bag; one of the only things he brought with him. He slips them on and then puts the rest of the clothes away in the drawers of the bedside table, then steps back to take everything in. His room is quite nice, consisting of a very comfortable bed with a thick mattress and warm woven sheets. Next to it is a bedside table. On the bedside table is the miniature grandfather clock sitting on a small white doily, and on the front, two drawers to put clothes in. A full-length mirror hangs on the wall opposite the bed. Nicholas already starts to get ideas about how to decorate it even further. He heads out to the main room.

Nicholas takes the time to look closer at the room. The fireplace is the first thing he notices in more detail. The fireplace is lined with a black metal fence and already has a few small logs inside. The chimney is made of finely crafted and intricately placed brick. Nicholas shivers and finds some flint to start the fire.

After getting the fire started, he steps back and sits in the chair. He immediately melts with comfort. It's a plush chair, very unlike the wooden ones he is used to. It is extremely comfortable and seems to invite the sitter to stay there forever. Nicholas puts his feet up on the low table in front of the chair to warm them and sits back. "What did I ever do to deserve this…" he ponders. His head tilts to the right where he sees the kitchen area.

Second: Make breakfast. Nicholas examines the cupboards above the sink and stove. He finds only a basket of fresh eggs and some simple spices to eat. He makes a mental note to visit the market later that evening. Opening another cupboard, he finds some pots and pans, a small stack of plates, and a few different types of glasses. He pulls out a cast iron pan and starts frying some of the eggs. Looking up, Nicholas notices something he didn't see when first walking in. Just in front of him is a large window between the overhanging cupboards and the stove. Out the window, he can see the town square, the ever-flowing fountain, the cobblestone walkways, the early risers taking a stroll before work, the path running through a beautiful meadow, and the castle in the distance. It is an incredibly beautiful view. Nicholas sits back in the chair and enjoys his eggs. After finishing, he checks the brass clock above the fireplace. 5:30. Plenty of time left. Nicholas continues his routine.

Third: Gather supplies for the day. At least, it would be third on a previously normal day, but normal has changed quite a bit. As Nicholas goes to find his sewing box and the other things he would normally keep in his room, he remembers that he doesn't need those anymore. Most of everything he would need are in the staff's quarters. Since there is still a lot of time left, Nicholas steps outside to explore.

The crisp morning spring air hits his face and brings color into his cheeks. Nicholas inhales and smiles. Not a single thing could make him happier. He wanders over to the stone edge of the fountain and sits down to observe. He watches a mother wave goodbye to her children, leaving them in the care of the grandmother while she goes off to the castle. He watches a boy just a little younger than him fumble with his house key, lock the door, look and round, and also head off to the castle. He watches a brother and sister chase each other around their house. It makes him smile. After enjoying the sunrise by the fountain for a while longer, he gets up and heads toward the castle to really start his day.

Nicholas walks up to the entrance door and fishes out the key from one of his hidden pockets. He unlocks the door and, remembering Xander's words, makes sure to put the key right back in the pocket and seal it up. Then he heads inside.

Despite still being in the early hours, the area is just as busy as his first visit yesterday. People are going in and out of the kitchen with trays of food for breakfast. Nicholas sees some people with clothes to be washed or mended, and people working at tables on individual unique projects. The clock on the wall reads 6:40. With the little time he has left, Nicholas decides to visit Teresa in the kitchen.

As soon as Nicholas walks through the door, Teresa looks up from her post and smiles brightly.

"Nicholas! How good to see you! I hope you slept well last night. You're going to need it for today."

Nicholas smiles back. "Thank you. I did sleep very well so I'm ready to tackle whatever the day may bring."

"Oh, I can't wait to hear about your day. It must be so exciting to be the butler of the king! He may be intimidating, but he is quite the friendly man once you get to know him," Teresa explains. "Just you wait. In a matter of days, you'll be chatting like old friends." She chuckles.

"Was that what it was like with Gunter?" Nicholas inquires.

"Oh, yes dear. Those two were great friends, despite Gunter being old enough to be his grandfather. I often found it very hilarious. Quite an unusual pair," Teresa rambles. She tilts her head up, seemingly reminiscing about old days.

"Well, I'll be off now, it was nice…" Nicholas starts as he turns to head to Xander's room.

"Just you wait a moment!" Teresa shouts, snapping back into reality. "Do you really think I'll let you leave again without trying my bread? You naughty boy…" she scolds, waving her finger at Nicholas. Then, smiling again, she slices a piece of fluffy golden brown bread from a cutting board beside her and hands it over the counter to Nicholas. "Eat! Don't keep me waiting!"

Nicholas takes a modest bite out of it. It's heavenly. It's so light and airy, but so rich and flavorful at the same time. "This is divine, Teresa! I can see why you are so well known for this," Nicholas compliments.

"Oh, now you're just flattering me. Shoo! Be off! Don't you have something to do?" She scolds jokingly, hitting Nicholas's behind with her rolling pin. Nicholas laughs and walks out the kitchen.

With not only a little bit of time left and nothing else he can think of doing downstairs, Nicholas heads up the stairs Xander led him down yesterday. The hallway upstairs is strikingly quiet. None of the royal family is up yet. Nicholas quietly opens the big doors to Xander's bedroom and slips inside.

Xander is still sleeping soundly when Nicholas walks in, but Nicholas starts right in on his work. He tiptoes over to the large chest of drawers and pulls the open one by one finding and memorizing the locations of Xander garments. He eventually finds everything Xander needs for the day and lays them out neatly on the chest at the foot of his bed. Next, Nicholas grabs a platter from the floor cabinets by the bed and sneaks back out the door and down to the kitchen again.

Quickly, Nicholas starts making his specialty, omelets. Just like he did on his last day at Sir Daniel's, Nhe seasons the eggs with fine black pepper (now in a neat little bottle for him right next to the black cumin and bourbon molasses) and adds little chunks of ham. Teresa hovers nearby watching and helping the rest of the staff in the kitchen, every so often shooting Nicholas a glance and giveing him a warm smile. He likes how cheerful and helpful Teresa is and makes sure to return the smile whenever he catches her eye.

Once his omelet is fried golden brown, he scoops it onto the platter, pours a glass of freshly squeezed apple juice, and carries the tray back upstairs to Xander's room. Xander is just finishing getting dressed in the clothes Nicholas laid out when he walks in.

"Good morning, milord! I trust you slept well," Nicholas greets cheerfully.

"Yes, very," Xander responds. "Good to see you up bright and early." He spots the platter in Nicholas's hand. "What have you got there?"

"My specialty, milord. Black pepper and ham omelets. Here, why don't you try it?" Nicholas suggests, setting down the platter on the table underneath the china shelves and pulling out the chair for Xander to sit down.

"Thank you," Xander says as he sits down. He takes a bit of the food in front of him. "This is very well made. I definitely taste the experience you have," he says after swallowing the bite.

"You're too kind, milord," Nicholas says bowing slightly.

"Am I?" Xander responds. Nicholas stays quiet. "Never mind the food for now, I have a few things you can work on while I am out and about on a few small visits. My cape snagged on a branch during a hunter trip this past week and I'm going to need it repaired before an assembly next week. If you could wash that and rest of my official outfit too, that would be appreciated."

"Whatever you wish, milord, I would be happy to oblige," Nicholas says. Xander looks up at him.

"Well, thank you for being so willing," Xander acknowledges. "I'll be sure to give you some time this afternoon to yourself. I'm sure you'll be wanting to find some personal things to decorate your new home with."

"Thank you so very much, milord. I'll start those tasks right away, though," Nicholas assures.

"Good. The clothes are in the chest. Good day, Nicholas," Xander says dismissing Nicholas. Nicholas bows and steps back to take out Xander's royal outfit and take it downstairs. He gives one final bow before exiting the room. Xander continues eating in silence for a bit. "This really is fantastic…" He thinks to himself, savoring the deliciousness that is Nicholas's omelet.

Back in the hallway, Nicholas smiles happily to himself. "So far, so good," He muses.