Chapter 1

The Kingdom of Haven, the southern most in a chain of islands, is ruled by Queen Rufina. The second child of the previous king, Rufina had not expected to rule, as she had two brothers. But three years prior everything had changed, first her elder brother had died at sea when the ship he was on disappeared, assumed lost in a storm. Later that year, her younger brother and father both succumbed to illness while on the mainland visiting relatives. So being the last surviving member of the royal family Rufina became the ruler of Haven.

Having had no expectations of ruling, Rufina was never trained in the arts of governance so was reliant on her father's minister, Lian. Minister Lian and Princess, now Queen, Rufina had never gotten along. Rufina considered Lian a supercilious lout with delusions of grander while Lian thought Rufina a drunken ignorant child. It is true that Rufina enjoys her wine, too excess at times, and she is ignorant, never being schooled beyond the basics. On Lian's part, he has ambitions beyond his station. After a argument one day, Lian had moved his office from the palace to the town hall, which suited Rufina fine, she didn't want to see his face more than necessary . Communicating by way of messages delivered by Aden, Rufina's assistant, suited both their dispositions.

She is standing in her sitting room, gazing through the window at the courtyard garden wondering when a merchant ship will arrive. It is close to 6 weeks since the last one had arrived and her supply of the better tasting wines is running low. She will have Lian purchase several cases of that very good vintage if the merchant has any. If not, have him order some.

Her musings are interrupted by a knock on the chamber door, "Enter."

It is Aden, carrying a document folio and a bottle of wine. "Minister Lian sends the weekly report and this bottle of wine, your majesty." Placing the documents on Rufina's desk, then moving to the side board he asks, "Shall I open the wine, your majesty?"

"You may. Has Lian indicate when he expects a merchant ship to arrive?"

"He said they should be here within two weeks, your majesty."

"Damn, two weeks drinking ale and sour wine, bah. When you finish that, you may leave, Aden."

"Very well, your majesty."

Placing the open wine bottle along with a wine glass on her desk, he bows and departs closing the sitting room door.

Sighing, Rufina turns from the window, reluctantly approaching the desk, Reading and signing paperwork is one of her least favorite tasks. Taking up the bottle she pours a glass, then drinks it before sitting down. Opening the document case, she removes the reports . She again picks up the bottle, refilling her glass. After downing the wine, she scans the top page of the report ,dipping the quill she signs the page. Gasping the wine bottle a final time, she pours the remainder of the wine into her glass, which she downs in a few swallows. Turning to the second page of the report, she again begins to scan the page. Before she can get to the bottom of the page she yawns, laying her head on her arms she closes her eyes. As she lays there her breath slows, coming to a stop.

* * *

Rosa wakes with a start, gasping for air. 'Argh, my head,' she thinks. She tries to stand but finds she is incredibly weak, falling to the floor, knocking the chair she had been sitting on over. As she hits the floor, her stomach rebels, emptying itself. Being to weak to move, she lies there, quickly returning to sleep.

Her maid, Emi, hearing the noise of the the chair falling, comes to investigate. Seeing the state her mistress is in, she rushes to the kitchen to enlist the help of the cook. Returning to the Queens rooms they place the unconscious queen on her bed, after laying several towels down. She queen had soiled herself when she had passed out along with soaking her clothes in vomit. Thanking the cook for her help, Emi, removes the queen's clothing, stripping her bare then washing her like she was a tiny child. Dressing her in a clean chemise then placing a sheet over her, Emi gathers the soiled clothing and departs. Returning shortly with cleaning supplies she cleans the sitting room, restoring it to order. While doing this she hears strange words being spoken, coming from the queen's bed chamber. Glancing in, all she sees is the queen, muttering in her sleep,"Mi señor Dios, te lo prometo, el vino nunca volverá a pasar por mis labios.", which is very very strange as the queen can only speak the common tongue.

As she is cleaning the floor near the desk, Emi notices that the chair is soiled and there is a puddle under the desk, like the queen had voided her self while sitting there. Finishing her cleaning she opens the door to the sitting room, to help ventilate the room. Checking on the queen, she feels her forehead, she is burning with fever. Something is not right, normally when she passes out from drink she is cool to the touch. She frowns, this could be serious. She prepares a basin of cool water, dipping a cloth in the water she wipes Rufina's face with it. Removing the sheet then rolling Rufina to her side, she wipes her down again. Feeling her head again, she has cooled a bit. Emi continues to sit with Rufina, holding her hand, stroking her head. When Rufina starts to shiver, Emi strips to her undergarments then crawls in beside Rufina, warming her. Holding her close, Emi is reminded of the first time she did this, nearly seven years prior, on the way to the island. Rufina had just hired her to be her maid, they were returning to the island when she had fallen ill. For over a week Emi had nursed her. She had to sleep with her several times, holding her close to prevent her from getting a chill. Rufina sensing the warm body behind her,snuggles back in to her, clasping the arm that is draped over her tightly.

Several hours later, Rufina stirs, needing to pee. After sitting up on the edge of the bed, she stands, staggering to the chamber pot. After using it she staggers back to the bed, laying back down next to the warm body. She is laying on her back when the person beside her reaches out, draping an arm over her, hugging her tight, murmuring a name,"Rufina."

Rufina? That sounds familiar. Memories start to flash in my mind, a young girl running through a garden, being chased by a younger boy who is yelling 'Fina, Fina.' Of a teenaged girl with bright greenish eyes, whispering 'Rufina, I love you.' A stern man, with clenched fists, shouting at her, 'Rufina you must not do this.' An old man, in a garden, saying, 'Rufina, this bug does not belong here,' as he plucks it off a leaf.

There is a candle flickering on the bed stand, casting enough light to see that the arm I raise is not my own. My arm are light brown, this one is pale with a multitude of freckles. Lifting the leg not pinned by the person beside me, I sees a leg that matches the arm, pale, freckled, thin. Reaching up, I pulls my hair around so I can see it. It's not my dark brown, but a light auburn, too bright to be brown. Lifting my head, I check my pubes, they match my head, plus they are there, I had them removed years ago. I am not in my own body, but it obeys me, so it is mine; this is so confusing.

Turning my head I look at the face beside me. A lovely face, a older version of the girl in the memory. Her name pops in my mind, Emi. She is my maid, my friend. I frown, I think she is my friend, though it seems that we have been distant of late. Why? More memories, the stern man, beating Emi, myself attacking him, kicking him where it hurts, me beating him, being dragged off by Emi, a scared look in her eyes, of being withdrawn, sad, alone, Emi in the background with sad eyes. My eyes tear up, Emi, I am so sorry. Rolling so I face her I pull her close, I murmurer in her ear, "I still love you." That is when I notice her ear is not in the normal place but higher on her head, triangular and slightly furry . Running my hand down her back, near her butt I feel something, a long thin tail. She is a cat girl!

Calming myself, I roll back to my back, gently pulling Emi to me. So she is a cat girl, big deal, I always wanted a cat girl friend, those japanese manga having corrupted me. I'm so tired, just getting up to pee has worn me out. I fall back to sleep.

* * *

The Being has been watching the one he chose. Noting that she sleeps again, He visits her dreams with no time passing between thought and deed.

Slipping into her consciousness he greets her, "Hello Rosa."

"Who are you? Are you figment of my imagination?"

"No, I am a god, the one that diverted you to where you are. You had died and I had need of one such as you. The young lady you are currently inhabiting was also dying so I needed to act quickly. You don't remember your thoughts as you were fading away but you were disappointed in death, you thought it was lacking in style, so to speak."

"How do I know this is true, you could be my subconscious mind trying to rationalize the whole waking up in a different body."

"Very well, a test then. Tomorrow you will discover who caused 'you' to die and set about uncovering him. But you wouldn't remember this conversation until the next time we meet. Until then my dear." He slowly fades away.

* * *

When I wake, the bed is cooling next to me, Emi is gone. The candle burning on the night stand is longer so she must have replaced it. When I sit up on the edge of the bed, I find I am still weak but I feel much better. Staggering to the chamberpot again, I pee. What do you use to wipe with, there is no toilet paper. There is a basin of water with a cloth next to it, a bit of soap laying near by. I dampen the cloth, rubbing it with the soap then wipe myself, rinsing the cloth then myself. After rinsing the cloth again, I pour the water into the chamberpot.

Standing there I look at the room. A rectangle, about 8 ft by 12 ft, a large single bed at one end with a night stand next to it, a brass reinforced wooden chest at the foot. A wardrobe stands at the opposite end of the room, with the chamberpot and small table holding the basin beside it. There are no windows just a door in one wall. Opening the wardrobe, I see shelves with clothing stacked on them, four drawers at the bottom, a few large garments hanging at one side. Inside the door is a small mirror, about 6 inches in diameter. The face I see in the mirror matches the arms and legs I have seen, pale and freckled almost anorexic in it's thinness. Pulling the top of my chemise away from my body I look at my boobs, they are barely there. Searching the drawers I find what I need, some underwear. I don't mind going naked, but I have no idea who is around to see me. After donning the baggy draw string drawers, I open the door.

The outer room is a sitting room, apparently, a pair of chairs, with a small table between them, a writing desk and chair and a long narrow table are the furnishings. There are several candle sticks around the room, none lit. Padding to the door, I look out. There is a railing about four feet in front of me, I can see more balcony on the other side of an open space. Walking to the railing, I look down. There is a courtyard with paths wandering though and separating flower beds and a small pond. The roof opposite is reddish brown clay tile, held up by sun faded wooden beams. The walls below are white, with exposed timbers every so far. There are paintings on the walls, of stern men and sour looking women. The air is cool, though not cold. The sun shine barely reaches the edge of the roof at the far end of the courtyard, so it is early, shortly after dawn. Looking up, the sky is blue, no clouds in sight. This is definitely not Earth, there are two moons, both smaller than Earths.

Turning, I return to the bed room, deciding I had better get dressed. Opening the wardrobe I search though the clothes. There are trousers, tunics, blouses, skirts and a few dresses. There are even a couple fancy gowns, those I by pass. Looking though the drawers, I find stockings, mostly calf high or higher made of knitted wool. Chemise, in three different lengths, waist, mid thigh and mid calf. Two pair of foot wear, a pair of slippers and a pair of over the ankle boots. Choosing a pair of trousers and a blouse, I put them on. Donning the slippers I return to the outer door. Teetering down the balcony, I go in search of food, I am very hunger. My nose tells me there is food somewhere ahead.

There is a dark passage ahead, with light at the end. Leaning with one hand on the wall, I go down the passage. There are several doors on the left and another passageway to the right but I continue on. The passage opens into another courtyard, this one paved with large tile, a small pool in the middle. Looking around I see two doors and windows on the far wall and one on each of the adjacent walls. To my right is a stairway, going both up and down, with another door and window beyond. I go down.

My nose leads me to the left, the smell of something good is coming from that doorway. Beyond is a dim room, with flickering on the wall like there is a fire. The air is heavy with smoke, but the smells of baking bread and frying bacon is enticing. As I stagger in a voice says, "Good morning, your majesty. You are up and about early. How can I help you?"

"Food, I need food, please."

"Of course you do. One moment." The voice is coming from a woman, a woman slightly shorter than I but quite a bit heavier and older. To my eye she is in her early forties, her hair graying, her voice kind. Soon a plate with several thick slices of crisp bacon and a slice of bread, smeared in butter is placed in front of me. Having neither knife or fork, I pick up the bacon, taking a bite. Oh bliss. Taking a bite of the bread, chewing, I sigh; it is fresh, warm, moist, the butter slightly salty but so good. Downing about half of the food, I pause, I need something to drink.

"Is there tea available?"

"Just a moment, I have to make some but it wouldn't be long."

"Thank you. This bread is delicious." Looking around, I see that the only light is from the fires in the over sized fireplace. A large cauldron sits to one side, a fire under it. There is a grate with a frying pan on it on the other side. Beyond the hearth I can see the arch of an wood fired oven. There is a door on the far wall. The middle of the room is taken up by a large table covered in cooking utensils. The wall opposite the fire place is covered by a waist high bench, again covered in cooking tools. I am sitting at a small table with three chairs beside it. There are shelves beyond holding supplies. Various items hang from the ceiling beams.

Placing the last slice of bacon on what is left of the bread, I take a bite. It is so good. The cook places a cup of steaming tea in front of me. It smells of herbs. Taking a sip, I taste many of the herbs I have used to make my own tea with. Alternating between sips of tea and bites of bread I soon finish. Sighing as this small amount has filled me up. As I sit relaxing in the heat of the kitchen my mind wanders back over how she greeted me. Your majesty? Am I royalty? Memories flash in my minds eye. I am the Queen! Really?

Lost in memory, I see how this body treated the people under her, I am appalled, you needn't treat people that way. Then I see where she learned it from, no wonder she treats people that way. Her father, her brothers, her nannies, everyone one of them, assholes, with a capital A. I start crying, tears flowing down my cheeks. The cook hearing my sobs, comes to me, taking me in her arms. After I stop crying I tell her, "Please forgive me for the way I have treated you in the past, I will try to improve. She doesn't even know your name." I start crying again. Sitting on one of the chairs, she takes me in her lap like a child and comforts me. "My name is Tilly, your majesty. Now, please stop crying."

I cry myself to sleep. When I wake, I am in a small room, on a narrow bed. The door is open so there is enough light so I can see, as there is no window nor candle. Emi is sitting on a chair, watching me. "Good morning, your majesty. Are you feeling better?"

"I need to pee again, but other than that I feel much better. Where am I?"

"This is Tilly's room. She put you in here after you fell asleep in her arms. Do you remember what happened yesterday afternoon?"

"The I remember Aden bringing the reports for me to sign, then drinking some wine. I signed one, I think, then it gets fuzzy. Next thing I remember is being held by you. Thank you very much for that. That reminded me of when we first met."

"It did me also."

I swing my legs off the bed, sitting up. Moving to the chamberpot I drop my trousers. After using it, then cleaning up, she helps redo my trousers. Helping me walk to the kitchen, she sits me in the chair I used earlier. "Tilly, thank you for taking care of me."

"My pleasure, your majesty. Would you like some tea? I have water hot, it would just need to steep for a minute."

"Yes, please." I am silent, having no idea what to talk about, I can't talk of my life on Earth, they would think me crazy and I have no idea what is going on or where I am, or who I am.

Emi, who had left, has returned, carrying a wine bottle, the bottle from yesterday. "Your majesty, this bottle of wine, where did you get it?"

Remembering yesterday, I recalled the events. "Aden brought it when he brought the reports, saying that Lian sent it."

"Where did he get it I wonder? You see, there was a bottle of this vintage missing. A case of this vintage arrived on the last ship to visit, over five weeks ago. I put twelve bottles on the rack, you had the last bottle on the rack four days ago, but when I put the empty bottle back in the case, there were only eleven bottles."

"If one was missing then if it returns, the person to return in it must have had it." I say.

"But to what end? And it is very suspicious that after you drink the wine you get very ill, losing control of your body functions. Then you had fever then chills."

"I lost control of my body functions? Did you notice any strange odors?"

"Beside urine, feces and vomit? Not that I could smell anything other than those."

"Is there anything in the bottle?"

She holds it up, looking though the glass. "There are specks of something in there." She lowers the bottle, taking a deep sniff. "Yes, there is something there."

"Is there someone that know herbs and their uses on the island?" I ask.

"I don't know anyone." replies Emi.

"I do. Would you like me to go fetch her?" Tilly replies.

"Yes, please." When I say that, Tilly, removes her apron and leaves. As I sit sipping tea, I wish I had some books to read. A memory, of books, flashes in my mind, of father sitting at a desk, book shelves in the background, the study.

Standing, I walk across the hall, past the stairway. Opening the double doors, I find the study. The furniture is covered, but everything is covered in dust. Apparently Rufina had the study closed up after the death of her father refusing to enter it. Walking to the book shelves, I remember what are on the shelves. The bottom shelf holds books a child would find interesting, as she once had. There is one shelf full of folders like the one Aden had delivered yesterday but thicker. Taking the right most one, I open it. It contains reports for six of the last eight years, the latest two years being missing. If Rufina had closed the study, allowing no one to enter it, then the reports should be missing, but what happened to them? Would Aden know? Continuing the perusal of the shelf, I find a couple of books of interest, 'The Gods of Dominion' and 'The People and Creatures of Dominion'. Both are hand written, hand illustrated and hand bound. My knowledge of Earth history kicks in, these two small books are worth the yearly wage of a several dozen farmers, if this world has the tech level that I think it does.

Moving the chair from behind the desk to just outside the door, she sits, beginning to read. It takes awhile to decipher the authors spelling and hen scratch but soon she is turning the pages quickly.

She has appeared on Dominion, a world visited by Gods. Gods who, if you find favor with them, grant you powers. Depending on the God, you could be allowed to drink and get no more than a little buzzed. Or to have the power to level a fortified wall while protecting an army of men. These Gods are fickle though, if a country offered them a better deal, so sorry. Little countries had little chance of luring the Gods to their side.

The other book is a bit longer, though it is disturbing in its tone. There are four types of sentient creatures on Dominion, Humans, the Others, demi-humans and beastpeople. The Others are the Elves, Dwarves, the Gnomes and the Goblins, all who have been driven from the area claimed by the humans. The demi-humans are the creature like Emi, mostly human in appearance with a few animal traits, like ears and tails or stronger physiques. The demi-humans are second class citizens in most of the human lands, though they can own land and hold titles. The beastpeople are beings with very few humanoid traits, these are the different birdfolk, the lizardfolk , the so called snakefolk and the aquatic seafolk. They are thought to be of low intelligence suitable only as slaves. The beastpeople live on most of the continents of Dominion. Several wars have been fought with them since the founding of the human country of Ajaxia.

I finish the books about the time Tilly returns with an older woman, taller and thinner than Tilly, who introduces us to each other. "Your majesty, this is Nora, the islands herbalist, Nora this is Rufina, Queen of Haven." Nora goes to bow to me, I bid her to stand tall, please. "The reason I have asked you to come, Nora is that I need a herb identified. The bottle, Emi." As Emi hands her the bottle, "In this bottle is an unknown herb; what is it and what are it's effects."

Nora takes a deep sniff of the bottle, her nose wrinkling. Then inverting the bottle over her hand she gathers the few drops that remain in the bottom in her hand. Dipping a finger into it, she tastes it. Nodding she says, "I know this herb, in small doses it is a sleep aid, in large it is a poison, like a lot of herbs. When used as a poison, the person goes to sleep, then their heart and breathing slow, finally stopping. If they can be made to vomit before falling to far asleep, they have a small chance of surviving. The larger the dose or the longer it is in the body the slimmer the chance. This was a clumsy attempt at a large dose. If the herb had soaked in the wine longer, before being strained out, it would be much more effective."

"Emi would you find paper and a pen, please. Nora, would you sign a statement that what you said is true?"

"Yes, your majesty, though I will have to put my mark, I do not write."

"That is fine Nora, Tilly and Emi can witness that it is you signing." Emi returns with a sheet of paper, pen and ink. I write what Nora said about the herb, its effects. "One more thing, does this herb grow on Haven?"

"No, your majesty. It's too dry for it. Up in the mountains where it is moist enough, it is to cool."

I add that it does not grow on Haven. I read it aloud for her, Tilly tells her it is what is written, she makes her mark, which Emi and Tilly witness. I ask her not to speak of what was discussed here today, the poisoner is still at large. Tilly asks if she needs a escort home, she declines. We bid her farewell.

After Emi returns from showing Nora to the door, Tilly asks if I am hungry again, it's almost dinner time. I need not answer as my stomach growls at that moment. "It appears I am hungry, what's on the menu?"

"I have a meat pie ready, your majesty. Is that satisfactory?"

"That sound delicious. Let me get cleaned up first." I stand up, teetering a little, Emi reaches out to steady me. She leads me to the room next to Tilly's where I use the chamberpot, washing myself. Then change the water before I wash my face and hands. I look around, "Is this your room Emi?"

"It is, your majesty. You should know that, I have lived here for seven years now."

Whoops, I should have check my memories first. "I seem to have forgotten some things, forgive me."

"Let's go get you some food, you never do well when you have been sick and don't eat." She takes me by the hand leading me to the dining room table.

I consult my memories, learning that there are three other maids. "Could you have the other maids clean the study, please. I wish to use it from now on."

"I'll tell them after dinner. Would you like tea with your pie?"

"Yes, please. When does Aden arrive?" I had checked Rufina's memories but all they told me was that he was here when I called him in the afternoon.

"He arrives shortly after dinner, your majesty. Would you like to speak to him when he arrives?"

"Yes, please. I noticed that some records were missing when I checked the study earlier. I understand I closed the study, so the records could not be placed in the files with the rest but was wondering where they are."

"I will have him come see you when he arrives." She goes to the kitchen, returning quickly with a tray laden with a plate holding a slice of meat pie, a spoon and a cup of tea. Placing the plate and tea cup in front of me, then handing me the spoon, she says, "Enjoy." Then returns to the kitchen, leaving me sitting alone at the twenty four foot long table.

Slowly eating my delicious pie, pieces of pork swimming in gravy, small chunks of a white vegetable, peas and carrots, all in a flaky crust. It is not a very large piece but I can barely eat the whole thing, the last bite is not appetizing at all. I have a feeling that Rufina had an eating problem given the shape her body is in and the fact she gets full so quickly. After I finish, I sit sorting through memories, yes, she had a eating problem, her father harassed her about her clothes, her figure, in general being an big ass. Then her brothers copied him. She stopped eating, then started drinking to excess. She did not have a happy adolescence, except for the two years before her father beat Emi.

I must have fallen asleep sitting at the table, because the next thing I see is Aden, sitting next to me, the table is cleared and a fresh cup of tea is there. "Good afternoon, your majesty. Emi tells me you have a question about some records. Which records are you talking about?"

"On the desk in the study, there is a folio of reports, crop yields, amount of the crop sold and shipped, the amounts stored, incomes for the different towns. I believe they are the annual reports for the kingdom but the last two years are not there. Are they available?"

"Yes they are, your majesty. Do you wish to look at them?"

"Yes, I would. Could you bring them to me, please."

He stands, going to the door to the right of the entryway, memory telling me that is his office. He returns shortly carrying another document case. Opening it he hands me a sheaf of papers, "These are the last two years annual reports on the kingdom. Lian sends them shortly after the first of winter." I lay them out, last year on the right, the year before that on the left.

"Would you fetch the reports from the desk, please. Would you like me to place them with the others when I am done with them?"

"That would be fine, it is where they belong. If the study had been open, they would have been there."

I start studying the reports, skimming them first. I note there are six towns on Haven, the capital Haven, Four Rivers, Iron River, Ashdale, Beehill and Ashford. Haven has the largest population with nearly 2100 people, Four Rivers is next with 1200, Iron River with 1000, and Ashdale, Beehill and Ashford with 600, 400 and 500. Mostly farmers of some sort and their wives and children. There are over a hundred craftsmen scattered between the towns, but most of them are here in Haven. There are also some fishermen. The main crops are wheat, barley, rye and oats. There are also flax, chickpeas, lentils, peas and other vegetables grown but they are for local consumption as is the fish. Of the approximately 205000 acres of plowed land, half is in crops each year, the other half is fallow.

There are a few hides from wild animals produced each year. But other than that, grain is the main export, mostly wheat. When I check the yields for the last two years, they are near identical, 58000 bushels. When I dig out the report for three years ago, it is dismal, just barely enough to feed the population. Looking closer I see why, that is the year my brothers and father died. The planting was late, and only part of what was planted got harvested. Going back four years, it matches the last two. Then I noticed something is off, the crop yield is the same but the return to the treasury is off. Comparing the numbers between the three years I find the shortage. There has been grain loaded but not sold, at least the money was not placed in the treasury. The amount of grain sold and the money match but the amount of grain in storage, plus the grain sold does not add up. But the amount in storage plus the amount loaded does. So more grain was loaded than sold, why and by whom.

"Aden, could you come here, please." I call out.

When he arrives, I show him the numbers. "Who is responsible for the grain sales?"

"That would be Lian, your majesty."

"I smell a rat, Aden, a big rat."

Looking that the figures, someone has siphoned off nearly 200 gold worth of grain each of the last two years, nearly a fifth of the treasury.

He fetches paper and a black stick, then starts writing columns of numbers, for the three years, the fourth, the second and last years. 'Ah, it's a stick of charcoal, I used those in art class.' As he finishes with the pages I place them in the folio with the other reports. When he is finished, he asks,"What do you want to do about this, your majesty?"

"At the moment, I am not sure. Is this all he has been doing? I'll let you know later what to do. Right now I need to take a break." I stand, intending to goto my rooms but sit back down, as my legs will not support me. I call for Emi. With her and Aden's help I stand and walk to my rooms. Once there Emi, undresses me, gives me a quick wipe down and puts me to bed. As she is leaving I ask, "Emi, would you sit awhile? I wish to talk to you." She sits on the edge of the bed, waiting for me to speak. Now that I have her here I am short of words.

Taking her hand in mine, I kiss it. "After I finished eating, I was recalling the last seven years and how happy I was when I found you. Were you happy then?"

"I was, up until that day."

"Me too. Father and my brothers were very rude to us after that, weren't they. But you know what, they are gone, we don't have to listen to them any more. We are free of them. Emi, I realized this morning while you held me in the your arms that I still love you. Do you feel the same or have the last five years broken your love?"

"Oh, Rufina."She leans down, kissing me, gently at the start but getting more passionate the longer the kiss lasts. Finally breaking the kiss, "I never stopped loving you, even when you stopped talking to me, it hurt but I never stopped. I could see the sadness in you. I do love you, Rufina." She stands, walking around the bed, laying down beside me, taking me in her arms, snuggling up close. Being held thus is comforting, We soon fall asleep.

* * *

The being smiles to themselves. Things were coming along nicely, Rosa/Rufina was learning the things she needed. The one with sticky fingers isn't aware that he has been found out. His largest crime had not been confirmed but it had failed to play out as he had intended which wasn't his fault but mine.

Now it is time to visit Rosa again. They create a meeting space and transferred Rosa's consciousness. "Welcome Rosa. Did you find something interesting today?"

"Oh, hello. Yes, I did. I have a rat in the granary but I will set the terriers on him soon."

"Good, those that crave wealth to fuel their own base desires at the expense of others will soon fail."

"So, why did you 'divert' me? And I am sorry I doubted you last night."

"You doubting me was one of the consequences of your ability set, if you had not doubted you would not be the correct choice. As to why, I wish to get established on Dominion but need someone to break the barrier to my entry. Your existence on Dominion is enough for me to get a toehold there."

"What else do you want me to do? Spread your word, get you followers, what?"

"Just be yourself for now. Followers will come naturally and the word spreads itself once a threshold is reached. And I must apologize for the rush job when putting you in her body, that is why you have been so ill of late. I have given your systems a boost so you will recover faster now, you'll start feeling better when you wake up."

"Oh, here is Tilly to wake you. Have a good evening. And I will be visiting Haven soon," with those words Rufina fades away.

* * *

Tilly enters the bed chamber of the Queen, placing the candle she is carrying on the bed stand. She gazes at the two young women on the bed. The Queen, wrapped in a thin sheet, nestled in the arms of her maid, holding the hand of the arm that is draped over her, a slight smile on her face. The maid, holding the body of her friend and mistress close, her body pressing against the other girl, protecting her. She should let them sleep, the last day has been rough on them both, the queen because of the poisoning and Emi taking care of the queen but they need to eat. Especially the queen, she has not been eating properly for the last year, she is so thin. She has eaten more today than she has in a long time.

Reaching out, she pulls on Emi's foot, waking her. She quietly says, "Supper is all most ready, you have ten minutes." After lighting another candle she picks up her candle and departs.

Emi, now awake, moves her hand slightly fondling one of Rufina's nipples , which hardens. Kissing the back of her neck, then licking it gently. Rufina moans, wiggling against the breasts at her back. Emi whispers, "Supper is near ready, we have less than ten minutes."

Rufina sighs, "You are a beast. Waking me like that, then cutting it short. Help me out of this sheet, please. I can't move." After Emi unwraps her, she jumps up and moves quickly to the chamberpot, sighing as she squats. She cleans herself, then catches a whiff of the pot, man what a stink. Emi has laid out her clothes, which she helps her put on. She is feeling much better, more energetic, less sleepy. After Emi slips her feet in her slippers, Rufina, helps her stand then kisses her, deeply, caressing her breasts. Breaking the kiss she says, "Gods, I have missed that."

Emi snuffs the candle then takes her hand, leading her to the dinning room. She sits her at the head of the table, which has been set. There is a covered plate, a tea cup and a bread plate. Removing the cover reveals a slice of pork with gravy. Rufina slices the pork into small pieces, then wishes for a fork. Stabbing a piece with her knife, popping it in her mouth. After eating a few pieces she takes a sip of tea, the same blend as earlier. Eating slowly, she thinks of her situation, she is the queen and queens have responsibilities. The matter of Lian shows what happens when the ruler slacks off, their underlings take advantage. So, as I am the queen I had better act the part.

Looking towards the corner, I see there is light in the office. Raising my voice, "Aden, are you still here?"

His head pokes out of the door, "I am, your majesty." He approaches. "How may I help you?"

"At what time does Lian start his day?"

"The times I have been to see him early he is there at 700."

When he mentions the time, I remember how time works on Dominion. The day is divided into twenty hours, of one hundred minutes each. Midnight is 2000, noon 1000, with dawn occurring at 500 on the first days of spring and fall, while sunset is at 1500. Sun rise on the first day of summer is at 400, winter it's at 600. The basic unit is the week, there are no months. The year is divided into seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall, each being thirteen weeks long. The date is given as the day since the start of the current season, Rufina's birthday is winter 75, Emi's is spring 52.

"Alright, tomorrow at 700, I want to visit him. We will be there to check the records but we tell him that I wish to survey the kingdom, to see how the crops are doing. It takes what, ten minutes to walk to the town hall? So, be ready to leave at ten until 700." Thinking that eating alone is boring, "On second thought, be here the 650, we can have breakfast before we go." Raising my voice again, "Emi, come here, please. And bring Tilly."

They both come out of the kitchen, "Tomorrow morning Aden and I are going to visit Lian. Emi, you shall accompany us. Tilly, I have invited Aden to breakfast so plan accordingly. I am not sure when we will complete our task, so don't plan on us being here for dinner."

The three of them look at each other, "Are you sure you are up to it, your majesty? You couldn't even walk earlier," Emi asks me.

Thinking about it, I have to agree. "How about the next day then? That would give me an extra day to recover."

"Would you like me to make an appointment with him? If we just show up he could make an excuses to not see us."

"You're right, but wait until tomorrow evening, just before he would be leaving for supper. It would also let me see how I feel."

"Have you all eaten? I know Aden hasn't, he was working. Emi, Tilly?"

"We were about to start, your majesty."

"Go get your plates, join me. And bring one for Aden. You would like supper wouldn't you, Aden?"

"Yes, I would, your majesty, Thank you."

Now that I have someone to talk to, I not know what to say. "What have you been doing today, Aden?"

"The palace accounts, making sure what was delivered is pay for, that kind of thing. I manage the palace, Lian manages the farms and town. He was telling me yesterday that the harvest is on schedule to begin in ten days to two weeks. And that it is looking like a bumper crop." Emi and Tilly return each bearing a tray holding plates of pork and bread, tea cups and tea pot, plus utensils. After placing everything on the table they sit down preparing to eat.

"Aden was saying that he had been informed that the crop is a good one and harvest should begin in ten to fourteen days. Just about the time the next merchant ship is supposed to arrive. Would there be buyers of grain on that ship, Aden?"

"Most probably, your majesty."

Searching Rufina's memories, I can't find an references to grain sales. "How are the sales of grain conducted? Do you know, Aden?"

"Lian handles the sales of grain, the storage of it, arranges the loading, every thing." he nods.

"I see that minister Lian has ample opportunity to manipulate the grain shipments." Emi and Tilly give me a look, like 'What you talking about?' "Ladies, Aden and I found that someone has been stealing from the kingdom, the most likely suspect is Lian, he has the access and opportunity."

"And he has had a big house built for himself, too." says Tilly.

"Oh, really. And how much do I, meaning the kingdom, pay minister Lian?" turning to Aden.

"I believe he is paid six gold a year."

"LIving above his means, another mark against him. It leads me to wonder what other things he is doing that he shouldn't be." I look at Emi and Tilly as I say this. We haven't talked to Aden about the poison yet.

We have been eating as we talk so are nearly done. Emi retrieves a tray, which we load our dishes on. Taking the tray to the kitchen, Tilly and Emi wash the dishes while Aden and I sit, sipping tea, having moved to the kitchen when they went there. We talk some more, about inconsequential things until Aden says he needs to leave. Tilly retires also, saying it is late, she needs her bed. I bid them a good night. Emi fills a pitcher from the cauldron sitting on the fire. She asks me to light the way to my room as her hands are full. We go up the stairs and down the hall to the back of the palace, which is called the new section, according to Rufina's memories.

Once we are in my bed chamber, Emi fills the basin, mixing hot and cool water. She removes her clothes, leaving her underwear on, then strips me to the skin. She starts washing me, soaping a cloth then rubbing me vigorously, finishing with my feet. She has me sitting on the chest at the foot of the bed, sitting cross legged in front of me, massaging each foot. I had forgotten how good a foot massage could feel. I am laid back, relaxed when she starts up my legs, rubbing the calves, then my thighs. As she gets closer to my crotch my breathing increases, my nipples come erect in anticipation. When she finally strokes my lower lips I moan. She continues to rub and caress me. Then she is kissing my thighs, switching sides, teasing, get ever closer. She suddenly kiss my folds, taking my nubbin in her lips, sucking on it, caressing it with her tongue. My back arches, I start shuddering, gasping, I orgasm. It has been a long time for both Rufina and Rosa. Letting me recover, Emi starts picking up scattered clothing, making a pile.

When I feel recovered I stand, gathering her in my arms, kissing her. My hands roam over her, caressing her, feeling her skin, pinching her nipples. Soon her chemise and drawers are on the floor, my tongue and fingers exploring. Soon she too has reached the edge and is over it. I had laid her on the bed instead of the chest so I crawl up next to her, holding her in my arms. When she had recovered, we moved to middle of the floor again, so I could wash her and she could rewash me. After rinsing and drying each other we lay on the bed, naked, with the thin sheet over us. I am behind this time, with her tail coming between my legs, wrapping around the upper leg. Emi took a deep breath and blows out the candle. Relaxed from our loving, we are soon asleep.