A/N: Sorry for no update in a little while! I got kind of lazy. Middle of summer will do that to a person. It took a lot of self-motivation to get this out, so I think I'm doing pretty good. I hope you enjoy! Things will start to pick up slightly after here.

~Chapter 11~

Nicholas wakes up early, excited to start the day. There are chores to be done, plans to be finalized, and letters to be delivered. Immediately, Nicholas starts on the chores.

At breakfast, Nicholas asks Xander, "Milord, since today is the last day before the important meeting tomorrow, might I show you the furnished room at the end of the day so that you may approve of it?"

"Certainly. I can't say I'm not a little bit excited to see it since you've been working so hard on it. Was that you I almost saw going out the hallway yesterday?" Xander asks.

Nicholas suppresses a smile at the recollection of yesterday's close call. "Possibly," he answers. "I made many trips in and out of that hallway yesterday, so it is entirely possible you glimpsed me heading to the hall."

Xander continues to stare. "You know, it almost seems like you were hiding from me," he comments.

"That was not my intention at all, milord," Nicholas assures. Then he adds, "I was merely making sure nothing was revealed till everything is completed."

Xander smiles. "So you were hiding from me."

"I suppose if you insist on putting it that way, I shall concede that I was perhaps avoiding the situation of your gaze falling upon the items in my possession," Nicholas concedes. He smiles humorously.

Xander smiles too. "You are such a strange young man, Nicholas. Now I am very intrigued. Finish your plans and deliver the letters quickly then. It is rude to keep the king waiting. "

"I shall keep you waiting no longer that what is necessary," Nicholas assures.

Xander laughs. "Be off with you now," he dismisses cordially. Nicholas obliges and leaves the room, happy that he was able to have a friendly conversation. He likes Xander more when he's relaxed; it makes his job more fun.

First Nicholas gets the delivery portions done quickly. Instead of taking detours like he did the last time, he plans for most efficient route possible to get it done as quickly as possible. He gets back just in time for lunch, and immediately afterward he goes to Teresa to plan the logistics of the meal.

"Alright, Teresa. Time to plan. We've got to plan a meal for eight hungry officials plus the king. It's got to be something filling but fancy,"

"Well whatever it is, it's got to have bread," Teresa says immediately.

Nicholas rolls his eyes. "Ah, yes. It has to have bread. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming you will be the one to cook it?"

"No, I was planning on having the pigs make it," Teresa says, playfully hitting Nicholas on the shoulder with her rolling pin. "Of course I'll make it."

"Alright. Now, I'm thinking we have to serve meat of some kind. Ham has always been my favorite. Will it be possible to serve freshly cooked ham?" he asks.

"Certainly. I can have some of my staff slow roast it just before the meeting. Why not some mashed potatoes with it, too?"

"I can take care of that," Nicholas offers. "I can make some delicious gravy to go with it. And I've always thought that green beans go well with potatoes. I'll steam some of those, too."

"I'll go out and milk some cows tomorrow morning too so there will be fresh milk to drink," Teresa says.

"So let's see. We have ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and milk. I think that's a pretty good meal don't you think?" Nicholas asks.

"A very hearty meal indeed. I think you're going to spoil the king, you know?" Teresa comments.

"Frankly, I don't think that's possible," he contradicts. "Well, now that everything's finalized, I'm going to go show Xander the room and tell him the plans. Wish me luck."

Nicholas knocks and Xander invites him inside.

"I assume you are finished then?" Xander asks.

"Yes, I am ready to show you the meeting hall. I hope it pleases you, milord." Nicholas says.

"Alright then," Xander says simply and leads the way out the door. "It will be nice to see the room clean again. It certainly has been a long time since it's been used. And I think the few embellishments you've added will be nice," he says, making conversation during their walk.

"I'd have to say it is more than a few embellishments," Nicholas adds. But before Xander can say anything else, he adds, "Just wait and see milord. A visual is worth much more than words."

When they reach the hall, Nicholas slips in front to open the door for Xander. "May I present you with the newly refurbished west meeting hall," he says as he opens the doors.

Xander steps inside and gapes at all the things Nicholas has added: the curtains, the cushions, the flowers on pedestals, and the beautiful table.

"My goodness!" he exclaims. "I don't even recognize this room anymore!" He walks around the feels the tablecloth, cushions, and curtains. "Did you make all of this yourself?"

"I didn't start from scratch if you mean, but I did embroider everything and assemble everything. I am very nimble and efficient with a needle and thread," Nicholas explains.

"Well, it is very clear that you do have talent in that area," Xander comments. "You certainly have a knack for interior design too. I love the overall theme of this room. The flowers in the corner are an especially nice touch. I don't think I would have ever thought to place those there. They do add a lot, though."

He finisheslooking at everything and returns to talk directly to Nicholas. "Well, if it was approval from me, you have certainly earned it. I don't think this room has ever looked better. You have done a great job preparing for tomorrow."

"Thank you very much, milord. Your compliments are much appreciated," Nicholas says.

"Well, I don't believe there is much left to do before tomorrow. If you don't mind, I would like my outfit washed one last time. Can't hurt to be extra prepared," Xander says.

"I would be happy to do that. I will bring it up with dinner," Nicholas explains.

"Perfect. I will see you again shortly, then." Xander says.

"Certainly. Thank you again very much for your kind words. They mean a lot," Nicholas adds. Xander just smiles and Nicholas heads back to grab Xander's outfit.

As soon as he opens the doors into the staff's quarters, Teresa bombards him with questions.

"What did he say?!" she immediately shouts excitedly. "Did he like the table settings? I thought the flowers in the corners were great. What did he say about those? Don't keep me in suspense!" she continues before Nicholas can answer anything.

"Goodness sakes, slow down," Nicholas says before answering. "He was very kind. He complimented me on my design and my choices for decoration. I think he was very impressed."

"Oh, that's marvelous. We'll knock his socks off again with the meal tomorrow, too," Teresa adds.

"I can hardly wait," Nicholas says smiling. "Now if you'll excuse me I have some things to finish up today and it won't go very fast if you're hovering over my shoulder the whole time."

"Certainly. I'll leave you to that then. Have a good night," Teresa says bidding him farewell. She skips back into the kitchen.

Nicholas finishes out the day normally. He washes the clothes, makes dinner, and Xander dismisses him to return to his house.

When Nicholas opens his front door, he finds a letter on the floor inside, slipped underneath the door earlier that day no doubt. He picks it up and is excited to see it is from David. He takes off his shoes, starts a small fire and gets comfy in the chair first before opening it and reading the letter.

Dear Nicholas,

It was so nice to receive your letter the other day. A day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought about how you are doing at the castle. It seems empty around here without you, but I know you are very happy where you are right now.

I think I was most happy to hear about the friends you have made there. It is always important to surround one's self with people you like and people you trust.

I also sincerely hope the unfortunate circumstances you mentioned weren't too unfortunate. It would be quite embarrassing to anger the royal family as soon as you meet them. Knowing you though, I have a feeling you thought it out.

In other news, I am doing quite well here. Nothing has changed much since you left, and I am still spry and going strong.

I hope you've been able to make a favorable impression on King Xander. Do your old teacher a favor and really impress him some time. You deserve an opportunity like that.

~David

Reading a letter from David puts Nicholas in a good mood. There's nothing like hearing from home to cheer one's spirits.

He rereads the last line a few time, and, thinking back to only a few hours earlier, wonders if he's already done that. Nicholas falls asleep in the chair thinking.