I wake with an urgent need to relieve myself. This is when I discover I have two bed buddies this morning, one on either side. Who they are doesn't matter at the moment, getting to the pot is what is important. I untangle myself from them, rolling over the left hand one and stand. Making my way in the dark I use the chamberpot then decide to light a candle so I can see what I'm doing. Going out on the balcony, I light a candle, takeing note that it is predawn, the sky still dark, then returning to my chambers. Washing myself, I return to the bed. Now that I have light I see who I'm sharing with, 'Ah, Helen and Sophia, I should have guessed.' Crawling back over Helen, I snuggle back between them, soon falling back to sleep.

Waking a few hours later I find I now have only one bed buddy and she isn't one of the originals. Cuddling her close, I whisper in her ear,"Eliza honey, what are you doing here?"

Eliza groans, snuggling back against me, she mutters, "I need to talk with you but you are always busy. I was awake when Helen and Sophia came into the room, Sophia told me to come sleep with you, that you wouldn't mind."

Sophia told her to come, uh. There must be something worrying her then. "So what do you want to talk about?"

She is silent for a minute then, "When I finish the cards do I have to leave? Isn't there anything else I can do to stay?"

"Oh sweetie," I hug her, "of course you can stay, this is your home now. And there are things for you to do. I have an idea for a series of books for children that I want you to illustrate, so there is be plenty to draw. Do you know how to spin yarn? to cook? do laundry? If you want to be a good wife for Kalvin you will need to learn to at least cook and do laundry. You could also find a student to teach how to draw."

She rolls over so we are facing each other, hugging me, murmuring "Thank you, Rufina. Uh, I can call you Rufina can't I?"

"Yes, sweetie, you can call me Rufina. Did that answer your questions?" She nodded on my shoulder. "What time was it when you came in?"

"It was first light, it's probably after dawn now. It sure is dark in these rooms when the doors are closed. Should I go check?"

"If you want." She rolls over and stands, she works her way to the door, light flooding in when she opens it. 'Yes, time to get up.' I roll off the bed, put on panties and a chemise before she returns.

"It's about a half hour after sunrise." when she comes back.

She has brought a lit candle in with her, in it's light I could see her. "Eliza, did you bathe yesterday?" She has a charcoal smug on her cheek and her hair is stringy.

She blushed, "Uhm, no I didn't."

"Do you remember what I say the other day about hygiene? It's washing more than your hands before meals, it's washing all of you every day. You wait here, I be right back." Taking the pitcher I head down stairs. To save carrying two pitchers of water, which I can't do anyway, I mix hot and cold water in the pitcher, making it a little on the hot side as it will cool. I nearly collide with Emi at the top of the stairs, "Just in time Emi, could you come help me please." We go into my chamber, "Eliza needs bathed and her hair washed."

"Very well, like last time?"

"Yes. Now Eliza, remove your clothes, please." She removes her chemise, while Emi removes her skirt and blouse and I fill the basin. I hand a soapy cloth to Emi then soap one for myself. Emi starts on her front while I do her back. When I fisnish her bottom I have her sit on the chest, while Emi does her legs and I start washing her head and hair. I scrub the charcoal off her, then massage her face, then her hair. Holding a basin behind her head I rinse her hair. When I finish I sit her up, rubbing a towel though her hair before letting Emi brush it for her. After cleaning up a bit I hand Eliza my robe, "Now go get dressed, I will see her in the kitchen." Once she is gone I greet Emi properly, with a slow deep kiss and some caresses.

"And why was Eliza in your room first thing in the morning?"

"She had some personal questions to ask me, so came early as it was the first time I was not busy. What, are you jealous?"

"No, I know how she feels, I want more time with you myself but like she says you are always busy. I can't even have you to myself in bed, Helen or Sophia have a habit of showing up. Now Eliza." I hold her tight. "And then there is Mark. What should I do about the wedding? Do we wait until he returns or just declare that we are married. If he isn't allowed to open a shop how are we going to handle it?"

"Last thing first, He has a shop rented and he is sure that he will be allowed, especially with the long term contract I have offered. Just put the wedding on hold for a day or two, we'll sit down and figure it out. Are you happy that Mark came?"

"I am happy, just frustrated and stressed." She sighs, "I came up here to wake you and get you started on your day not to tell you tales of woe. Now you are late for T'ai Chi."

"Let them wait a bit. I have been stressing lately too. What with the trail, the harvest, getting the machines done in time, trying to keep my situation a secret and to top it all off, not getting to make out with my girl friend when I want." Having said that I kissed her, gently biting her lip, suck her tongue, letting my hands roam. I was about to throw her to the bed when there is a knock on the door, "Are you two going to lead T'ai Chi or are we not doing it this morning?" It's Tilly.

"We'll be down in a minute." I said in a raised voice. I whisper in Emi's ear, "See, always with the interruptions, a girl can't get a piece in peace." This started her giggling.

"Some of the things you say. What's the piece that you want in peace?"

"It's a crude saying, it's short for a piece of ass, in other words sex. So having sex in peace and quiet. Now put your clothes on, my subjects await."

"Yes, my queen, as you command."

"I don't get no respect, I tellya, no respect." In the distance I hear Sophia starting to laugh. 'Are you laughing at me, oh, goddess of knowledge?'. I hear a faint "Yes." I shake my head, no respect.

We get our skirts and blouses on, snuff the candles and head out the door. Reaching the kitchen I greeted them all with, "Good morning all."

"Good morning your majesty," they all say in unison. I glare at Sophia but she giggles. Oh hell, I can't stay mad at her, I lean down and kiss her cheek. When I do I hear, 'Good morning Rosa, sorry I had to send Eliza to you so early.' I think back at her, 'It's fine, we got her worries taken care of.'

"So, are you all ready to T'ai Chi?" They set their tea cups down and stand. I lead them out to the garden, where we find Tobias and several other older men working on the bathhouse. When Tobias see us he lays his tool down and joins us. I hadn't put any stockings or my slippers this morning so I am in centering stance waiting for them to remove their shoes. When I no longer heard any noise I crack an eye, looking them over. They have all assumed the stance with me. I check each one of them, they are all doing it correctly. "We will begin thirty rotation to the right." I began.

We slowly work though the forms, some like Tobias slightly out of sync with the more knowledgeable ones. I finish by again assuming the centering stance. After a minute I hear them moving around so open my eyes. T'ai Chi does relax me. I amble down to where Tobias is begining to work again. "Good morning, Tobias. How is it going?"

"Good, your majesty. We should have the foundation hole done today. As soon as the stone arrives we'll get the foundation finished. Are the drain pipes still on schedule for today?"

"Last I heard they are to be delivered this morning. Are you ready to lay it?"

"Yes, just need to finish the last bit of trench here." I see a trench goes from where the tub will sit to the washing area then below the foundation up to the garden wall. I go to where it meets the wall and see a large hole has been dug next to the wall. I jump into the hole then squat down to peer through the hole in the wall. They have punched a hole between two of the logs that make up the wall, I can see through to the other side. But something doesn't look right. I reaching into the hole, I grab a piece of a log and pull. It takes a bit of pulling but it comes out with a snap. Once I have it out, I examine it closely. It is rotten. I looked up, the plaster appeared to be loose above the hole, bulging out away from the wall. Climbing out of the hole I ask, "Tobias, is there a large mallet available?"

"There is one in the stable. What's the problem?" I hand him the piece of log. "Oh, that's not good. How did I miss that?" He takes off to fetch the mallet. He returns a short time later carrying a large wooden hammer, basically a section of log on a handle. I hold out a hand, taking it then standing next to the hole, I hold the hammer out to make sure it will hit where I want, I swing it hard against the wall. BOOM. The plaster cracks. I swing again. BOOM. Large pieces of mud plaster fall off the wall. One more time should do it, I swing again. BOOM. A piece of plaster taller than I crashs into the hole. "For such a small women, you sure swing a mean hammer, princess," Tobias comments.

I tap the exposed logs with the hammer, instead of a solid thump there is a dull hollow sound. I haul back and swing the hammer again. BOOM. I crush the log I hit, large chunks falling off. Handing the hammer to Tobias, I looked at the walls around me. "Tobias, I want you to make small holes in the plaster in several places on all the walls. Three on the long walls and two the short, checking for rot. Let me know what you find. It doesn't need to done today but soon. You are going to the inlet with us later aren't you?"

"Yes, princess. You asked me to do some joinery."

"There also going to be something special going on that you will not want to miss."

"Your majesty, there is a delivery for you." Emi said as she approachs. "What was that noise and why are you dusty?" She was right, I am covered in dust.

"Just doing some demolition work. Big hammer met wall, wall lost. Who is it at the door?"

"The potters man I believe."

"Have him come around to the garden gate, I'll meet him there. Come with me Tobias, the pipes are here." I lead Tobias and Emi to the gate, Emi going in to the palace as we continued on. Going though the gate I tell Tobias to place the pipes in the corner, I point to the right, out of the way for now. Shortly a cart comes around the corner of the palace, turning to back towards the gate. I get the attention of the driver, pointing to the corner, he nods and steers there.

Hopping down the driver says, "Good morning, your majesty, I have the pipe you ordered. Here is the bill." He hands me a itemize bill, showing what was ordered, what has been delivered and the total and the amount due. Harry is such a good business man, if I thought he would do it I would ask him to be the minister.

"Tobias will help you unload, I'll go get the balance due. I'll be right back."

Turning, I return to the palace though the garden. Once in the garden I brushed my clothes off as best I could, then entered the palace. Going to the Domain office I get the bag of coins out, removing what I need. Then stopping at the study I write a recept for Harry's man. Taking the pen, ink and paper with me, I return to the work yard. They have the pipe stacked in the corner when I arrive. Using the bed of the cart as a table I sign both copies of the receipt, then handing him the coins and the pen. After he signed both parts I folded and tear it in two, handing him one part. "Pleasure doing business with you, your majesty."

After he drives away I ask Tobias, "Are your friends going to continue working without you?" We go back into the garden, stopping near the palace door.

"Yes, they said they would if that is all right. They are to haul some cobbles from near the outer wall for the foundation."

"Alright then. I'll have someone come get you for breakfast which will be at about 800 as we will be leaving around 850." Saying that I again brush myself off then enter the palace. Peeking in the kitchen to see what Tilly is doing, she is busy packing a pair of baskets, so I leave her to it. I notice Eliza is busy drawing. As I wonder where Sophia is, she appears giving me a wave. I head up stairs to my room, where I find Emi cleaning. I sit on my chest, letting out a big sigh.

Looking at me she asks, "What's the matter love? You look depressed."

"Oh you know, the usual. Shit is falling apart, money is tight and I am horny as heck."

"I can't help with the first two but the third is within my abilities. But first, what is falling part?"

"The walls. The reason I was beating on the walls is to check for rot. Which I found. Tobias is going to be checking the other walls. If they are all rotten like that spot the palace is unsafe to be in, it could collapse."

She comes and sit next to me, "So what are you going to do?"

"I'll have to figure out where to store the contents of the palace then find some where to live while a new palace is built. What is that going to cost I wonder? Do I need to build a defensive palace like this one or one that is more open? Oh, raiders. I'll need a wall around it at least. Damn it, I just got unstressed."

Emi leans in, taking my head in her hands and kisses me. "I said I could take care of the third thing so let me do that." She stands, pulling me up with her. She unfastens the frogs on my blouse then pulls it off, my chemise soon follows. My skirt falls to the floor. She leads me to the bed, pushing me back on to it. Crouching over me she starts kissing my nipples, massaging my breasts. I help her pull her blouse off then her bra. Trading places I pulled her skirt down and off. My hands slid up her legs, stopping to caress her though her panties, while my mouth suckled her. Her nipples are erect, my tongue caressing them to that state. My hand slips into her panties, caressing her folds, finding her nubbin. She shudders.

"My, you are sensitive today. It usually takes longer to get you in this state. Not that I am complaining." My mouth starts nibbling on those hard nipples. My fingers are buried deep in her channel, stroking the spot. She is over the edge, soaking my hand, I lick some of it off then offer her a taste, which she accepts. Then we kiss. Soon I am on the receiving end, as she kisses and caresses me. Her mouth moves to my nubbin, then there are fingers deep inside me, caressing that spot. As I approach the edge, a finger is inserted in my anus, pushing me over the edge, not once but three times in rapid succession. Her face is soaked by my juices but this doesn't stop her from kissing me, long and deep.

We are laying there wrapped around each other, when there is a light tapping at the door, "You have ten minutes to breakfast, better get ready." It's Sophia.

"Thank you, Sophia." We say in unison, then start giggling.

Emi stands then helps me up, giving me one final kiss before soaping up a cloth and starting to wash me. She is quickly done then starts on herself. While she is doing that I put on my underwear then my skirt and blouse. I take out a pair of boot stockings pulling them up. Emi hands me the cloth and I give her back a quick wash. She has me fasten the frog on the back of her panties. I hold her skirt as she steps into it then raise it to her waist fastening it. Her blouse is on in a flash, then she starts brushing my hair, just a few strokes then she does her own. We strip the bedding from the bed as we made a mess of it. The bedding went in the clothes basket. Checking the rest of the room she nods.

"Is the basket loaded." I ask.

"Yes, did that last night after I put you to bed. Swimsuits, your shorts, paper and charcoal sticks and the coin purse. Shall we go?"

"May as well, your mentioning the coin purse reminds me, the bag of coin and the other evidence needs to be put in the vault. And I need Aden to help with that."

After retrieving one of the keys to the vault, we go down stairs, where Emi heads to the kitchen while I take my seat. "Aden, before we leave we need to place the evidence from the trial in the vault." I show him the key.

"Very well, your majesty."

"Is everyone ready to go to the inlet?" This gets nods all around. I notice that Tobias isn't here yet so stand,"Excuse me a moment." Walking to the garden I approach Tobias and his friends. "Tobias, time for breakfast."

"Thank you, princess. I be right there."

On the way back I notice there are now several places on the walls where the plaster has been removed. I'll have to ask what he has found so far. After seating myself again, I serve myself and begin eating. Tobias soon appears. I let him get his food before asking, "Have you found any more decay in the walls, Tobias?"

"Yes, I have, your majesty. The garden wall is especially bad, the new section is better but not by much. I have yet to test the old section."