Rufina wakes to a full bed. Beth is snuggled up against Rufina with Emi behind her and Benny is next to Aaron. Flipping over to her stomach she crawls out from between them all so she can relieve herself. After cleaning up, she goes to the sitting room to check the sky. The top of the tower has sun on it so it's about a half pass four, fifty minutes until training. Returning to the sitting room she does some situps, crunches and pushups, then tries a hand stand. She still doesn't have the upper body strength to do one.

Entering the bedchamber, she takes out a bra and panties from the wardrobe, putting them on before waking Aaron. He is on his back, lightly snoring. She kisses him, a long wet one. When his eyes open, "Good morning, dear. Time to train. And we both need it, after yesterdays poor showing, so up with you." She picks Benny up, cuddling him close, waiting until Aaron is off the bed before laying him down again. As Aaron does his morning toilet, she goes to the other side of the bed to wake Emi. Her wake up kiss is as long and as wet as Aaron's. "Morning, love. I'm surprised you're here."

"I got lonely, I got spoiled sleeping with you. It's strange to sleep alone anymore. Is your head as sore as mine?" She gently touches the knob on her temple then the one on my head. It is sore.

"I wonder if Tilly has some willow bark we could make into tea?"

"Willow bark?" a questioning look on her face.

"Willow bark has pain relieving qualities. If she doesn't Nora probably has some. Anyway, time to train, get up, lazy squire and help with the armor." I pull her legs off the bed then pull her up. She does have on a chemise this morning so as not the embarrass Aaron I assume.

Aaron has dressed in a short tunic, trousers, stockings and brogues. He had told me he had sent for his armor, it should be on the ship in the harbor.

After donning my shorts and tunic, Emi and Aaron start getting me in my armor. I remove the sword/vambrace, returning it to sword form and putting it in its sheath. "Aaron, are your parents early risers? I would like to talk to them alone before exposing them to our mad house. The four of us could have breakfast at the inn if that is all right with you?"

"Mother is not an early riser, though father is. I will send Benson to invite them to breakfast if you wish."

"That would be prefect. Will you have Benson inform the inn keeper that we will be coming and if he has one would like a private dining room."

"When is this happening? 700? 750?"

"Let do it for 750, giving everyone time to prepare. Speaking of preparing, I need to speak to Tilly."

"Emi, after you get the children up, could you take a change of clothes for Aaron and myself to the bathhouse. And start the fire, please. He and I will bathe before breakfast. The long gray skirt, blouse and vest outfit, I think. The dark gray trousers, a white shirt and vest for Aaron." She nods. "You ready, Aaron?"

He nods also. I kiss Emi goodby, then take Aaron by the hand leading him away.

"I will speak to Tilly about going to the inn to either cook our breakfast or teach Scott how, while you talk to Benson about informing your parents and making the arrangements with Scott. See you in the back." Aaron goes to find Benson as I go to speak with Tilly.

Walking into the kitchen, I find Tilly and Abbey, starting to mix bread. "Tilly can you take a break?"

"A short one."

"Aaron's parents stayed at the inn last night and I was thinking of going down after Tia' Chi to have breakfast with them. As I don't know what Scott normally serves for breakfast, I was thinking omelets. Would you or Abbey be able to go to the inn, to either teach Scott how to make them or make some there?"

"Have you cleared this with Scott?"

"Aaron is asking Benson to go talk to Scott and to inform his parents."

"Why don't you write Scott a note, explaining what you would like and have Benson take it down to him. Also write an invitation to breakfast for Aaron's parents."

"That is a very good idea, thank you Tilly."

I go in search of Aaron and or Benson. I find them straight away, Benson is about to leave. "Hold up Benson, I am sending a couple of notes with you." I goto the study, taking out paper, ink and quill. First a note to Scott, explaining what I would like, asking if I could send my cook to teach him how to make what I wanted for breakfast. Then I wrote an invitation to breakfast to the Aaron's parents. After signing them both I take them to Benson, "Give this one to Scott first, when he gives permission you can deliver the other one to the king and queen, then return. If he doesn't give permission return right away." Taking the notes he leaves.

As Aaron and I goto the back courtyard I tell Tilly, "Notes are sent, Tilly."

Kalvin is waiting, apparent we aren't too late. "Kalvin, thinking about yesterdays battle, I think both Aaron and I need more practice. Aaron was nearly killed by the Count and I discovered I still lack skill with the spear. I think we have gotten used to only one opponent, we need to mix it up, sparring with others."

"Is Victor available, Aaron. I could spar with him and you could spar with Kalvin."

"I'll go get him." He climbs to the second floor to get Victor.

"I was on the wall and saw the battle with the Count, Fina. I think you are right. The only reason you were able to defeat him was the unfamiliar weapon, the strange tactics and being distracted by your dress or its lack as it were. What is the name of that weapon?"

"That is a rapier, a personal weapon of the seventeenth century, it's primary attack is the thrust but it can slash with the tip. It's not a weapon of war but one to be worn for protection against brigands in town or of the dual. It was used with a either a buckler or a dagger in the off hand." When I mentioned buckler I had a thought. Thinking at the gauntlet on my left hand I turned it into a buckler, a disc a foot in diameter with a raised center boss and a handle in center of the back. "What would be the most effective way to use this?"

"Extended out nearly the length of your arm, high enough you can barely see over it. Use it to block or control the opponents weapon, cover you sword hand or hide your sword from the opponents view." He shows me what he means in each case. I hand him the sword and buckler so he can demonstrate which he does. He has me use the wooden sword to slowly attack him. When I do, he stops my sword then pushes it away. He then takes a stance so I can't see the sword behind the buckler. I attack, the buckler moves to block and the sword appears, the tip stopping inches from my throat.

"I think this may be a better weapon and style for you than the long sword we have been practicing. You will never have the strength to fight effectively with the long sword. Though it seems short to me, it may be the correct length for you. What was the length of this style of sword?"

"If I remember the cross guard was at the navel of the user with the point on the ground." He puts the point to the dirt, the pommel doesn't reach his waist let alone the cross bar. "It's a good eight inches too short for you." I reach out, put my hand on the pommel, the sword lengthens to the correct length. As I step back he starts swinging it, thrusting at the post.

"My goodness, what a difference, so light." As the tip does figure eights, it starts to whistle through the air. He lunges, short of the post but gives the tip a flick, the rope that wraps the post starts falling away. He hands the sword back to me. I return it to its long sword form then sheath it, before reshaping it and the sheath to a rapier again. When Aaron and Victor come down stairs, Kalvin has me doing spear drills with a headless shaft.

Victor receives a wooden sword and shield, gives me a small bow then attacks. I don't manage to parry his attack, getting a whack to the arm. He is not pulling his punches, I felt it even through the mail and the gambeson. I shorten my hold on the shaft, dropping low I spin, whacking his knee causing him to fall but before I can slash his throat he is back on his feet. He seems wary now, like he hadn't taken me seriously before. Do I have to knock every one of these muscle heads down before they take me seriously? I had to do it to Kalvin, Captain Robert and the Count, though I'm was lucky the Count didn't take me serious or I would be dead. And now Victor.

Victor and I circle each other, watching for an opening. Whenever one or the other slips up, the other pounces. When Kalvin calls for us to stop we both are sore from the strikes the other gave. Victor comes up to me, grasping my shoulder he giving me a shake, "We will spar again, your majesty, You make me work for every strike." He gives me a bow then hobbles to the stairs. I hope I haven't hurt him to badly.

Beth and Benny run up to me, "Good morning mama Fina." They both say, giving me a hug.

"Morning my loves. Did you sleep well?"

"How come you were fighting with uncle Victor instead of uncle Kalvin?" Benny asks.

"Because if you fight the same person all the time you get stuck, only knowing how to fight one person. The more people you fight the better fighter you can become." Removing my gauntlets and helmet, I lay them near the foot of the stairs.

"We all ready for some Tia' Chi?" I ask the crowd of on lookers. We all move to the patio where those wearing shoes and stockings remove them but the vast majority of them find their spot and assume vertical centering. When every one is quite and ready I begin,"30 times to the right, begin." Thirty five or so minutes later, "And vertical centering." The only sounds are the birds chirping quietly from the orchard on the other side of the wall. Shortly the rustling of clothes can be heard as people move to the bench to put their foot wear back on.

I had noted that Benson had returned but as he hadn't let me know that Scott had vetoed my plans I was assuming we were a go. Before Tilly returned to the kitchen I asked her if we had any willow bark for tea. We didn't, what is that used for? Pain, I tell her. All we have is wild wood flower. I tell her I'll stop by Nora's later.

"Benson, what did Scott and their majesties say?"

"The inn keeper is amicable to your plan and the King and Queen will be awaiting your arrival."

"Thank you, Benson." I look around for Emi, finally spying her as she comes out of the bathhouse. She approaches, "Is every thing ready, Emi?"

"Yes, your majesty. The water is hot, thought there is not enough for the tub there is enough for several people to bathe. Your clothes are ready also."

"Oh, dear. I'm your majesty again. What have I done now, love? You only 'Your majesty.' me when you are upset with me." I look at her, her tail is down.

"I'm lonely, horny and we can't get any time together."

I look around, every one else has left. I take her hand leading her the back door. Once inside, I hug her to me, "You, Aaron, and I need to talk. We are going to go to my rooms, take this armor off then the three of us are going to go bathe each other while we talk of our relationship. I just wish Mark were here also as we will need to do this again when he returns." I kiss her, gently, stroking her cheek, then lead her to my rooms, picking up the gauntlets and helmet before we climb the stairs.

Once in my rooms, she stripped the armor off me, hanging it on the rack. When I reach my undergarments they got tossed into the basket. Removing the sword from the scabbard I formed it into a bracelet , then doing the same to the gauntlet on the my left arm, now I had matching bracelets. Emi hands me my robe. After donning the robe we exit the bed chamber where Aaron is waiting for me in his robe. Taking both their hands I lead them to the back stair then out to the bathhouse.

We haven't said a word since leaving the sitting room. When we reach the bathhouse I sit them down on the massage table. "Husband, do you remember when I told you before we wed that I enjoyed intimate sexual relations with other women?"

"Yes, I do remember that conversation." He looks between Emi and me, "Are you saying that you and Emi are in such a relationship?"

"Yes, dear, we are and have been for years. Until you arrived we bathed each other, slept together and enjoyed each other. I love her as I love you. Would you be willing to share our bed and me with Emi?"

He is looking between us with a look of indecision on his face.

"I'll tell you what, we will talk more tonight but we have breakfast to get to so need to get busy." Saying that I start stripping Emi. As each article of clothing is removed, I fold it laying it on the bench beside her.

"What are you doing Rufina?" ask Aaron.

"She can't scrub our backs with her clothes on. And I can't wash her back when she is clothed." As I had started with her slippers and anklets, I then stood her up, undoing the frogs on her blouse and the one on her skirt, then reach behind her a undid her tail frog. Her skirt drops to the floor, soon followed by the blouse. The frog on the bra was next. As I separated the cups I caresses her breasts as I kiss her. Her nipples are hard, extended. Reaching back I undo the last frog, the one over her tail. I slid her panties to the floor, kissing her body on the way down. In the prefect position, I give her slit a lick before rising. She is already trembling.

I turn to Aaron. He is trying to hide the erection but the front of his robe wouldn't cooperate. I open my robe then remove it. It joins Emi's clothing on the bench. I stand Aaron, unfastening his robe, removing it. "Emi, look he excited to see us. Will you join me?" I drop to my knees, taking his penis in hand, stroking it gently. Emi picks up the wash bucket, goes to the heater dipping some water out. Mixing water from the tub until is she satisfied with the temperature she returns. Kneeling down she takes a cloth, soaping it then starts scrubbing my back. As she is doing that I am kissing Aaron's penis. When I take the head in my mouth, Emi stops washing me, watching what I am doing. I suck him down, getting as much as I can in my mouth then backing off, then sucking him in again. On the third suck I go the distance, all the way to the base, sucking him down my throat. I hold for a few seconds then back off, licking the head. When I suck him in again, I can feel him swell, I start to back off but slowly. The hot ejaculate pulses into my mouth, I swallow part of it then turn to Emi, "Would you like a taste? He is not bitter."

I take her head in my hands, being careful of her temple, then kiss her, transferring the contents of my mouth to hers. When we separate, "You're right, he is sweet. Can I try that?" I slid over, making room in front of Aaron. She starts licking him, cleaning the last of the ejaculate off. At first he is flaccid but soon returns to hardness. When she has licked him to hardness she sucks him in. As she does that I wash her back then her tail. Her moans bring Aaron to climate shortly after, then it's her turn, she starts shuddering.

I let them recover a bit by washing them, Emi is laying on the floor, Aaron on the bench. I wash up one leg the down the other, first Aaron then Emi. They are stirring when I finish them so start on their chests and arms. By the time I am done they are ready to go again. I had done Aaron last, straddling him, rubbing my crotch on his stiffening member, when it is hard again I insert it. It feels so good. I bounce a few times then lean down and kiss him. He starts thrusting, going the full length. I feel he is close, so rise so the tip is barely in me then clamp down as I drop send us both over the edge. I lay on his chest, both of us breathing hard. Emi soaps the both of us, "Can you stand yet?"

I need a hand standing but get vertical. Aaron is down for a while though. Emi wash me thoroughly then pours the remainder of the water over me rinsing me off. I then do the same for her. Aaron is still passed out on the bench so we scrub him from head to toe then rinse him off. I place a towel over him then start drying Emi. When I am done she does me, then we both do Aaron. Once he is dry we dress him. Then Emi helps me dress. We are hugging when Tilly knock on the door post, "It's a quarter after the hour you two, hurry up."

"Almost finished Tilly." I then whisper in Emi's ear, "Did that help your problem?" she nods. "Help me wake Aaron."

We give Aaron a shake, then sit him up. "Come on Dear, we are going to be late." He is very groggy. I smile, remembering something Emi and I talked about, "Well this one can't handle us both, do you think yours can do it?" She giggles then clamps her hand to her mouth, her eyes sparkling.

Aaron is finally standing on his own. I lead him out the door. Tilly takes one look and shakes her head, mumbling, "Over sexed rabbit." I don't think I was supposed to hear that. As she lead us out the gate and down the hill I am leading Aaron who is slowly waking up. He is awake finally as we reach the inn. He leans down and whispers in my ear, "Let's only do that in the evening, love." He is interrupted as Scott opens the door for us.

"Welcome Your majesty, Prince Aaron. Follow me please." He leads us down a hall next to the stairs, opening a door on the outer wall. It's a room about the size of my bedchamber with a rectangular table with four chairs around it. There is a small table on the side of the room near the door. The King and Queen aren't here yet. "The rest of your party are still in their room shall I fetch them?"

"No, I'll do that, my good man." Aaron says as he seats me. He leaves, going up the stairs, I can faintly hear him knock on the door.

"Thank you for allowing this on such short notice, Scott. I had intended to have them at the palace last night but things were a bit hectic yesterday afternoon."

"It's fine your majesty. I can understand wanting a quiet place to meet the in laws. This dish that your cook is going to make, what is it?"

"It's a egg dish, if you wish to learn to make it you had better go watch her. It doesn't take long to make. I'll be fine here."

He bows and leaves. The door had only been close a few seconds when it reopen to admit Aaron and his parents. The king entered first then the queen then Aaron. When the door opened I stood, giving the King a slight bow, "Good morning your majesties. Welcome to Haven. I'm sorry I was unable to greet you properly yesterday as I had a problem that needed taken care of."

"Your majesty, thank you. We understand, Aaron explained shortly before dark. I am happy that you survived."

"Father, Mother may I introduce Rufina, Queen of Haven. Rufina this is my father, Fredrick the second, King of Monte' and my mother, Melissa."

Fredrick is the stereotypical King, tall, robust, dark of hair except on the temples which are graying. He bows to me, slightly farther than I did to him. He takes my hand kissing it.

Melissa is shorter than her husband but most people would be, she is taller than I am. Aaron is taller than his mother but not by much. She approaches me, taking me into a hug,"Thank you for saving my boy's life, Rufina." She kisses my cheek. I wonder which time she is referring to. "Benson, wrote a long letter detailing that first night, how you all gathered to repair his heart, though he was vague on details. Would you explain what happened?"

I took her hand and led her to the table sitting her to my left, Aaron placed his father to my right. I told the tale of our meeting that day, the run, the heart attack. When they asked how I knew what to do, I explained about myself, about Sophia/Benten, the duplicity of Lian, the trial. As was about to start on the actual repair when Scott and his serving girl entered with breakfast.

I can see Tilly's handy work. She even remembered the forks. There were four three egg omelets; ham, onion and oh, glory, cheese, with a side of fried shredded turnips, toast with preserves and a bowl of fruit. Of course there is a tea pot. After serving the girl leaves, Scott lingering a few moments, leaving short after I show Melissa and Fredrick how to use the fork. I think he was curious about them.

"Is this one of your inventions Mark mentioned?" asked Fredrick holding up the fork.

"It is, that is one of the first things I had made after arriving."

We sat and talked long after the remains of breakfast had been removed. The serving girl brought another pot of tea and some cookies. I think Tilly is still manning the kitchen, these cookies are familiar.

I finally got back to telling the tale of the heart repair. When I finished Melissa asked to meet Sophia. I told her that they would meet at supper that evening along with the rest of the people I call family now. About this time I hear a commotion out in the inn. Excusing myself I go to investigate. It's dinner time and some of the apprentices have arrived for their kingdom supplied meal. Two of them are fighting, with a group of five others clustered around them, yelling encouragement to one or the other.

When I come up behind part of the circle, the youths on the far side see me, falling quiet. The ones on this side wondering what is going on, turn and see me. They fall quiet also. Two of them step apart allowing me entry into the circle. When I take the shoulder of the larger boy in my hand he tries to shrug it off then twists taking a swing at me. He is on the floor in an instant his arm bent back, my foot on his shoulder.

"What is your name, apprentice?" I say to the youth on the floor. He doesn't say anything.

The other boy says,"His name is Edward, your majesty. He's apprenticed to Jason."

Reaching down, I haul Edward to his feet, still holding his arm. "And what is this about, Edward?" He still wouldn't say anything. "Very well, you," I point to one of the spectators," explain to me what is going on." He refuses to speak also. I am getting angry, "Aaron" I yell.

He appears at my shoulder,"Please fetch a pair of guardsmen." He nods and leaves.

Looking at the boys I see that they are mostly wearing well made clothing, except for the one combatant.

Aaron is only gone a minute, returning with Scott and three guards. I recognize Vincent, "Vincent are you senor man here?" He nods. I hand the arm to Aaron. "Come with me Vincent." We step out the door, walking to the corner of the building. "There was a fight, between the young man I was holding and the smaller youth. When I tried to stop them Edward took a swing at me. Now they refuse to talk to me, except the the smaller one. What I want you to do is to take them into custody, taking them to the militia training area, once there I want you to run them around the outer walls. The smaller one does it twice, Edward ten times and the others three. If Edward should ask why he has too run it so many times tell him twice for the fight, three time for obstruction of an investigation and five for throwing a punch at his queen. Take all their names and who they are apprenticed to. If they still refuse to speak, gather the masters and ask them to identify their apprentices. If you need more help, get it. Now go." I watch him reenter the inn.

As he enters I see Jerrie, Daniels apprentice, leave. I follow after her, letting her get half a block from the inn before calling to her. She stops, waiting for me, "Good afternoon, Jerrie. Will you tell me what the fight was about?"

"Edward and the other boys were picking on Paulus. When they called Paulus' master a bad name he punched Edward. That how it started."

"Who is Paulus' master?

"I don't know his name but he is the tanner. May I go, I'm don't want to be late getting back."

"Yes, you may go. And thank you."

I return to the inn as the boys are being lead out. Vincent has Edward by the arm now. "One moment Vincent. Paulus, come here please."

The boy approaches, bows, "Yes, your majesty."

I lead him a short distance away, then quietly ask, "What did he call your master?"

He seems surprised that I know that but answers, "It's very impolite, your majesty, I was taught not to say such things." He fidgets.

"You may say it this once, I will not be offended by you saying it." I reassure him.

"He called my master piss drinking dog fucker. Forgive me your majesty." He is bright red.

"Like I said I am not offended by you saying it. To let you know, you are being punished for fighting in a public establishment. The others have other reasons to be punished. Thank you, now return to the others."

As he rejoined the others I address them, "Most of you are being punished for obstruction of an investigation. Paulus and Edward are being punished for fighting. Edward has an additional charge of assault on my person. Once your punishment is finished return to your masters, who will undoubtedly have additional punishments for you as you will be absent without leave. Guards, take them to they punishment."

When I reenter the inn I find Aaron, his parents and Scott near the door, apparently they have been watching. Scott bows sightly, "Thank you, your majesty."

"Scott, did you see what lead to the fight?"

"The older boy was teasing the younger one, then said some thing that he apparently didn't like because the younger one punched him. Then the others grabbed the younger one as the older one punched him. I left to fetch the guards."

"Thank you Scott. Do you know the tanner?"

"I do. His name is Dolph."

"Is a good man?"

"As far as I know."

"Thank you. Was there any damage?" He shakes his head. "Good. Is my cook still here?"

"Yes, she is. She is busy showing my cook some new recipes, which are going over well with my customers."

I turn to my guests, "Are you hungry? I can have my cook make us something."

"I wouldn't mind a light meal." Melissa replies. Fredrick nods in agreement.

"Very well, I shall return shortly." Taking Aaron's hand I lead him to the kitchen. We enter, finding Tilly showing Scott's cook how to make a prebaked pie crust as the cook's assistant is making sandwiches for the inn's customers.

"Tilly, what ingredients are available for sandwiches?" I ask her.

"Scott has ham, roast beef and roasted lamb available. I could boil eggs to make egg salad. I have shown the cooks how to make mayonnaise so that is available."

"Very good. I would like a small sandwich of each of the meats and one of egg salad, cut diagonally into quarters, one quarter of each sandwich per plate. With fruit and tea, please. Also what do you have planned for supper tonight?"

"What ever you wish, your majesty."

"Could you go to the market and select some fish then. We can have one our normal suppers tonight, meat/fish dish, a couple of vegetables and bread."

"Very well, your majesty. How long are you going to be here?"

"I will be running before supper and will need to clean up after. But before that Aaron's parents will need to be brought to the palace and settled in, so not more than two more hours."

"Your sandwiches will be ready in a few minutes, then I will be going to purchase some fish." She starts slicing meats. I lead Aaron back the the private dining room. Pausing out side the door I kiss him, whispering in his ear, "What did they say after I left?"

He replied as quietly, "That you seem level headed, father seemed worried when you went out alone to see what was going on. He followed you out. He saw you handle the boy. He would like to see a demonstration of how you got him under control so quickly."

As we are standing there talking, Jason enters the inn. He looks around, not see what he is looking for he speaks to Scott, "Inn keeper, have you seen the apprentices, they were supposed to be back at work quite some time ago."

"There was a fight among them and several were taken to the palace for punishment."

"WHAT?" Jason is quite upset. "Under who's authority?"

Sighing, I walked out from the spot near the stairs, "My authority, Jason. Do you have a problem with that?"

His mouth drops open. He recovers quickly though, "No, your majesty."

"Good, as it was your apprentice that instigated the fight, I would like you to send me a note on what additional punishment you have given the boy when he finally returns to work."

"Which of them was it, your majesty?"

"Edward."

He starts sweating. "Edward, you say?"

"Yes, Edward. He called the master of the boy he fought a rather uncomplimentary name, which the other boy took exception to, punching him for it. When I moved to breakup the fight Edward threw a punch at me, I hope I didn't damage his arm when I subdued him. He and the other apprentices are now running around the outer walls of the palace as punishment."

"Edward should have his punishment finished about 1300 if you wish to escort him back to your shop."

"Yes, your majesty, I will be there." He bows his head then turns and leaves.

As he walks out the door, I see him slump, like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. "Aaron remind me this evening to check the apprentice records for Jason's apprentices, please. Now we should return to your parents."

We return to the dining room just as the serving girl and another bring the meal in. They serve Fredrick and Melissa then Aaron and I, waiting for us to be seated. Tilly as done as I asked, made four small sandwiches, all the same size, cut into quarters. She has gone the extra distance by embellishing the plating, placing the quarters in a pinwheel with wedges of four different fruits as garnish. She hadn't included the forks this time, as sandwiches are to be eaten with the fingers. Melissa and Fredrick look a little lost until I pick up one piece and take a bite, laying the remainder back down on the plate.

Melissa comments on the egg salad, wondering how it is made. I tell her it's a hard boiled egg, diced pickled cucumber and onion mixed with mayonnaise with a touch of mustard. Then she want to know what mayonnaise is. I then explain how to make mayo. I make a mental note to have Harry make another refrigerator pot to ship to Monte' for Melissa. We sit and chat for another hour or so. After I ask Melissa how much baggage they have, I mind speak Sophia, asking her to send Tobias to the inn with the wheel barrow.

When Scott knocks on the door then enters, saying that Tobias had arrived, Aaron goes to help his parents pack. I instruct Tobias to carry their baggage to the palace, giving him a hug before going to talk to Scott. Asking what I owed him for the use of his kitchen and dining room, he told me a silver and 5 copper for everything today. I gave him a scowl, as I am pretty sure that it should be more than that. When he see my look he says, for the recipes and the quick response to the fight he has taken some off. He is sure there would have been damages if I hadn't been there. I remove my purse and pay him, thanking him for the service. Looking around I see the girls that had served us. I called them over, handing each a copper, telling them thank you. They curtsied to me.

As I am walking up the hill, Edward passes me, a guard on his heels. I ask the guard how many times he has gone around? This is his seventh lap is the reply. My estimate was close, he will be done at about 1300. I will run early today, I think. Once I reach the palace I stop at the kitchen to check on supper, Tilly has it under way. I ask it she has seen Emi lately? She was upstairs cleaning. I check her rooms, then the children's room, greeting them when I do, then mine, where I find her.

"Hello, Love." I tell her as I gather her in my arms. "Will you join me on my run today?"

"Yes I will. Did you have a good talk with your in laws?" She has undone my skirt, letting it drop to the floor then grabbing my butt, squeezing it. I return the squeeze with one of my own, kissing her.

"Yes, we had breakfast and talked. Then mid morning tea and talked. Then some of the apprentices had a fight in the inn which I put stop to. Then we had a light dinner and talked. Aaron and Tobias are bringing them and their baggage, is their room ready?" I had instructed her to prepare the room in the upper north east corner for their use. It had been fathers rooms.

"Molly reports it is ready." She has her hands in my blouse, playing with my breasts. "Oh, don't. get. me. so. worked. up." She has started fingering me. I move to the bed, falling back on it, pulling her on top of me. She undoes my bra, licking my nipples. My panties join the skirt, blouse and vest on the floor. Her face is in my crotch. I am soon over the edge. As I recover from my orgasm she is sliding my panties back on and redoing my bra. Pulling me to my feet, we start putting on the armor. I reform my sword and left vambrace to their true forms so I can wear them as they should be. Returning the sword to it's sheath, I put in across my back. Once I am ready, we go to Emi's room where she changes to shorts and tunic.

Once we reach the garden, she helps with my boots, puts on her shoes then we warm up, doing some stretches. Then we jog until we reach the main gate then we speed up, going at what on Earth would be a nine minute mile. At that speed I get slightly winded by the end of the third lap. It doesn't even phase Emi, Kalvin or Victor when they join me on my run.

We pass Edward and his guard on the south side of walls on the down hill portion. He is moving pretty slowly. I ask which lap is he on? Ninth is the reply. One and one half to go. Emi and I set a steady pace, passing him again as he is crossing by the draw bridge at the start of the tenth lap, the start of our third. Kalvin and Victor join us then, both in full armor. They are setting a faster pace than we are but we stay at our pace. They look to be running at about twice our speed, which is correct as they pass us as we sprint to the draw bridge. Emi and I had passed Edward at the bottom of the hill just before we started sprinting.

Edward was staggering up the last fifty feet as Emi and I walk in large circles on the approach to the bridge to cool down. We crossed the bridge to find Jason waiting. As Edward entered the grounds he collapsed, laying on the ground breathing hard. Going over to him, Emi and I stand him up then walked him around, as we did he started to breath easier. When he could breath normally we walked him to his master.

"Thank you, your majesty. Now, Edward, what do you have to say about this?"

He is still not saying anything, he can but won't. I can see Jason getting mad. "Remember the rules Jason." I admonish him. He sighs, gives me a bow.

"May I give him a thrashing?" he asks.

"Yes. No more than five stroke with a switch no thicker than my finger." I hold up a my index finger. "And on the buttocks only. And only once per offence."

"Thank you for the guidance, your majesty. Now you, get thee to the workshop." He takes him by the arm, dragging him out the gate and down the hill.

When Emi and I enter the garden gate, "Is the tub hot, Love?"

"It is. I fired it up just before dinner, checking it on the hour. It was a bit too hot when I last checked it, so put out the fire. And our clothes are waiting, so all we need do is remove your armor."

Once we are in the vestibule I take her hand and lead her up the back stairs to my rooms. We strip the armor off of me, hanging it on the rack. Once I am naked I use the chamber pot, washing off before putting on my robe. Emi removes her clothes, putting on her robe also. We walk to the back courtyard hand in hand. She asks what all we talked about this morning. I started telling her. When we reach the bathhouse we hang up our robes, then each of us get a wash bucket, which we fill with water from the tub. The water is the prefect temperature, just above body temperature.

I sit on one of the stools, Emi coming behind, washing my back. Then she starts rubbing her breast on me, reaching around to wash my front. She is breathing in my ear so I turn my head and kiss her. We end up on the floor, me on top, my leg rubbing her slit as I nibble on a nipple. Before it can get much farther along Sophia interrupts us, saying that Christina, the children and she are exiting the door on the way to the bath. Sighing I tell Emi we have company on the way. We climb to our feet, Emi sitting on the stool where I start scrubbing her back. Pouring a double hand full of water on her head I wash her hair. She is washing her legs and feet as I do that. I have just poured the bucket over her when a small loud boy enters.

"Hi mama Fina." He has his robe off and put on the shelf in a flash. Then has me in an embrace, kissing me. "Where were you and Papa Aaron today? I missed you." I see Sophia, Christina and Beth enter. They remove their robes, folding them and Benny's before placing them all on the shelf. Beth comes to me, kissing me then giving me a hug.

"I missed you too, mama Fina."

I hugged her, too. "And I, you. Papa and I talked to Papa's parents this morning at the inn where they stayed last night. They will be here for supper tonight, then will stay here until they leave. So you, young man had better behave."

Benny put his serious face on for a second, "Yes, mama," then ran over to the tub, getting a bucket of water, which he can barely carry. Sitting it down next to the stool Christina is sitting on, he takes the washcloth she hands him. He dips it in the bucket then soaps it, then start scrubbing her back. His serious face is on again as he concentrates on what he is doing. She is washing her legs and arms as he works away. Emi switches places with me, washing my hair as I wash my legs and arms. Beth and Sophia do like Benny and Christina, first the child washes the adult then they switch. After Beth and Benny have their hair washed and a bucket poured over them to rinse off, Emi and I take them to the tub. Sitting them on our laps we snuggle, enjoying the warm water. Shortly Sophia and Christina join us in the tub having washed each others hair.

After five minutes or so I need to get out so pass Beth to Sophia, then duck my head in the water giving it a shake. After I get out, Emi does the same. I help her climb out. Getting towels from the shelf we dry each other, then put our robes on. "See you at supper."

We return to my rooms, where Emi brushes my hair then dresses me in the green tunic, belting it with a black scarf. Once I am dressed, I brush her hair then help her dress. She is wearing her matching green tunic, the only difference being the belt. Hers is a light yellow. We both put on our slippers and anklets. As we are slipping on the slippers Aaron arrives, giving us a smile.

"Very nice, my dears, very nice." He gives me a kiss then gives Emi one also. "Tilly tells me supper will be ready in twenty minutes or so. I have told my parents already. What should I wear?"

I open his wardrobe, taking out his dark gray trousers, the matching vest and a light green shirt. As I am getting them out, Emi is helping him undress.

"So you are all right with Emi being with us?"

"Yes, dear. Though I wonder what Mark will think of this arrangement. Have you asked him?"

"He knows of Emi and me, though the three of us have yet to share a bed or a bath. Speaking of baths, do you want to show your father the bath house or shall I show your mother? The one can show the other."

"You had best show mother, father is very private when it comes to that, I think I have seen him naked once and that was many years ago."

"Is Melissa shy about her body? Tilly and Eliza are shy, blushing quite brightly when they get bathed or they were, they are not as shy now."

"She isn't too shy, we swim naked together. Her attitude about nudity is much like yours."

"That is good. They do swim. Shall I have swim suits made for them?" I though I would have Helen join Sophia, Emi and I when we give Melissa instruction on bathing, she could measure her then. Or should I do it alone, get in some quality time with my mother in law. Oh, I know, I could bath her then after we have relaxed the other could join us.

Just then Sophia mind speaks me, 'Fina, how shall we dress this evening?' 'We are in our best casual, Emi and I in our new green tunics, Aaron is his dark gray trousers and vest.' 'Thank you, dear.'

Emi is looking at me, "Sophia wanted to know what to wear." She give a nod. Mind speak is SO handy. Our range is get farther also. A few weeks ago, we could barely hear each other on the other side of the table, now we can be heard from town.

"Emi, before supper could you check the temperature of the tub, building a fire if needed. I'll ask Melissa if she would like to bathe tonight. About fifty minutes after we go to the bath I would like you, Helen and Sophia to join us, please. Oh, has anyone told everyone what is going on?"

Emi says she'll go talk to Helen, she is in her workshop then check the tub. Giving us a quick kiss she leaves, tail twitching. Aaron has finished dressing so we snuff the candles then go next door to see the children. Sophia and Christina have them dressed, Benny in his new brown tunic and Beth in her green one, matching Emi and me. Aaron and I take Beth and Benny with us so Sophia and Christina can dress. As we approach the stairs Eliza comes out of them at a near run.

"Slow down Eliza. What's the hurry?"

"I was just told that Aaron's parents are here for supper and I still need to bathe and get dressed and I need water and I don't know what to wear and...."

I have taken her into a hug, whispering in her ear, "Calm down sweetie, we'll help." Looking at Beth I tell her, "Beth, will you go fetch a pitcher of hot water and bring it to Eliza's room, please."

"Yes, mama Fina." She took off down the stairs.

"Would you take care of Benny, dear?" I say to Aaron, as I lead Eliza to her rooms.

Once there tell her to strip as I search her wardrobe. Taking out underwear and anklets, then her best tunic which is a the light green one I bought her last week. I don't see a scarf she can use as a belt but there is a heavy cord with tassels on the ends. Laying those on the bed, I then get her wash cloths out. Then pour some cold water in her basin. Beth comes in then with a partially filled pitcher of hot water.

"Thank you Beth. Would you help me wash auntie Eliza?" She nods, I hand her a cloth. "If you do her legs I will do her back, try not to get wet, please." I mix the water and we start, Beth wash her lower half while I do the upper. I notice her hair needs washed, so move her chest out, having her sit on it. As I wash her hair, Beth pays attention to her feet. Emi has taught her to massage feet so she is doing a good job. As I get close to being done I ask if she has a hair brush? In the wardrobe, top drawer on the right. Beth has wiped the soap from her then started drying her. As I finish up her hair, Beth helps her into her clothes, so when I am finished all she needs is to slip the tunic over her head.

When finished Eliza hugs us, "Thank you, Fina, Beth. That was better than what I could have done."

We cleaned up before we leave, tossing the dirty clothes in the basket, hanging the cloths and towels up to dry, pouring the water in the chamber pot. We meet Helen, Sophia and Christina at the head of the stairs. Helen is still a little damp from her bath. She is dressed in a tunic like the rest of us, hers is a shade of yellow as is Sophia's, Christina is in tan.

We descend to the dining room. Molly and Mabel are finishing setting the table and are dressed in the same color tunics as Christina's. Kalvin, Aden and Tobias are here, dress much like Aaron, dark trousers and light shirt with a vest. I rearrange the seating at the table, moving Abbey to the other side, and Molly and Christina to the other end. Then shifting everyone down, opening a pair of spots opposite me for Fredrick and Melissa. We are running out of room at the table, it's seating twenty, which barely fit. As I think about it, I may need to change the house plans, because there are going to be at least four more at table in less than a year, three babies and Mark. We may have to do the thanksgiving table thing where the children sit a separate table or as much as I loath doing it having Tilly, Abbey and the maids eat in the kitchen or after the rest of us.

I must be scowling because Sophia, ever observant, mind speaks me, 'What are you so sour looking for, dear one?' 'I have come to a realization that our seating arrangement is broken. Too many bodies for the table space.' 'Ah, I see. That is a problem. But cheer up, they are approaching.' 'Thanks you, Sophia.'

Fredrick, with Melissa on his arm come from the back courtyard. We are all standing, now. I point to their seats. He seats her then himself before we sit. "Everyone, I would like you to meet Aaron's parents, Fredrick and Melissa, the king and queen of Monte'. Fredrick, Melissa, these are my friends and companions." I then give each persons name, starting with Beth. When I have them all introduced, Tilly and Abbey bring out the trays loaded on the serving cart. After placing the food around the table, they sit at the end of the table closest to the kitchen.

As the plates are passed to me so I can serve everyone,"We do thing differently here, as you can see. When I first arrived I was seated at that end of the table. I was alone, with no one to talk to. Within a day, I invited Emi, Aden and Tilly to eat with me. I didn't need servants, I needed friends, friends to help me as I learned to be queen. So I gathered friends, they may have been maids, guards, farmers, shopkeepers, orphaned children, cooks or even a minster but I needed them. Lately I have gathered a prince, a prince that loves me, the woman, not the queen. I had need of a prince but found a friend which is a good thing in a husband. As I had been, I was a noble and a queen though a very poor queen. Some of my friends tell me she was starting to be a fine example of a noble, spoiled, arrogant and capricious. I am no longer that woman, though she escapes every now and again. Now I am a poor noble but hopefully a fine example of a Queen, kind, generous and wise. And hopefully when I slip and revert to that other person, one of my friends will slap me on the back of the head, telling me I screwed up. But friends, please don't hit too hard, I do need my brains intact."

I have talked so much my supper is cold but like all of Tilly's meals it is still a fine tasting meal. It had started as a pair of fish, filleted and baked. Add in mashed turnips, beet greens and carrot sticks plus bread, butter and tea.

Now that I am done monologuing, the rest start asking questions of Fredrick and Melissa. Even Beth asks a question or two. Benny on the other hand is struggling to stay awake. I take him into my lap, snuggling him. He falls asleep shortly after. I sit holding him for a while, letting him get into a deep sleep before moving him too much, I don't need a hyper four year old tonight. Glancing at Beth, she is about to goto sleep so I gather them both and take them to their room. Removing Benny's tunic, sandals and stockings I put him on the bed. Beth has stripped down on her own, put on a chemise as a night gown and is looking for a book to read to me. I prop myself against the headboard then invite her to my lap. Once settled she starts reading to me, only needing help a few times. When she starts to stumble, I put a bookmark in, so we can continue tomorrow. After laying the book to the table next to the bed I remove myself, laying her down next to her brother, snuggling against her back until she sleeps. I kiss them both before leaving, taking the candle with me.

I return to table to find them playing rummy and Go. Fredrick and Kalvin are going head to head, he is a quick learner. Victor is watching closely. I watch the rummy game and listen to the chatter. I go to the study, returning to the new palace plans, I need to modify them, making the dining room larger. Sophia mind speaks me a short time later, 'Aaron has asked Melissa if she would like to have a bath, which she does. Are you ready for her?' 'Not yet, have you finish your game?' 'This should be the last hand.' 'Let me check the water. Be right back.' I place the charcoal stick down then stand. Going to the bathhouse I check the water, just right. Then back to the table.

When Aaron see me he smiles,"Just in time Love, mother would like a bath, could you show her how it's done here?"

"Of course. Is your game finished?" He nods. I help Melissa up, then hold her arm as we goto their rooms. "Do you have a robe?" She does. I have her strip then put on her robe. As we go out the garden gate the sun is close to setting, we stop to admire the flowers before entering the bathhouse. Leaving our slippers in the shoe rack just inside the door, I lead her around the shelving wall. Removing my anklets then my tunic I fold them before placing them on a shelf. Melissa is looking at me, "Are those undergarments from Earth?"

"The designs are, yes. Helen made these for me. Emi wears similar ones. There are six or seven styles of bra and a dozen different pantie styles. The girls all wear different styles, for the different support they offer. Would you like a few sets?"

"Could I?"

"You can, we can ask Helen later. Now remove your robe, hanging it over there." I point to the wall. As she is doing that I fill one of the buckets from the tub. Placing it by one of the stools I call her over. Once she is sitting, I wet and soap a cloth before scrubbing her back. I explain the bath, how it is styled after the ones from a country named Japan on Earth, where you wash and rinse out side of the tub, then soak in the tub for a while. Finishing her back I move around and give her a foot massage while she wash her torso and arms. When she is finished I have her stand so I can finish her legs. Once I am done, I have her sit again then wash her hair, giving her a scalp massage too. Finishing by pouring the bucket of cooling water over her head I lead her to the tub. After getting her seated I move to the shelves and remove my bra and panties then join her. As I do I mind speak Sophia, 'We are in the tub, come join us. And wear your underwear so Melissa can see the different styles.'

I recline so just my head is out of the water. We are just laying there relaxing, letting the water do it's thing. I can't stay in to long, the heat isn't good for the babies. A couple of minutes later the others arrive chatting about their day. They all remove their robes showing their undergarments. Melissa watches them as they move about preparing to bathe. Two come get water from the tub while the other two get soap and cloths out. When they play rock, paper, scissors to decide who washes first, Melissa ask what are doing? I explain how it works. Before they start I ask them to model their underwear for Melissa which they do.

"Helen, Melissa would like several sets of underwear, can you make them for her?"

"Oh, course. Which style were you thinking?"

"I like the bottoms you and Sophia are wearing but can't decide on the top."

"Would you stand so I can see your breasts?" She stands in the tub. "Ah, I think one like Tilly wears would be best for you. Yours are large and a bit saggy so need some support. I know. Sophia, could we go to dream space to show Melissa the different bra styles?"

"Not tonight, we can do it in the morning though." Sophia replies.

Melissa sits back down,"What's dream space?" She asks.

"Dream space is a shared vivid dream where one can control everything. Sophia sends us there, then either Rufina or Sophia controls the setting but anyone can control their personal image."

Climbing out of the tub, I place a towel on the massage table before returning to the tub,"Would you like a massage Melissa?" I help her out, leading her to the table. Laying her face down, I start rubbing her shoulders, work my way down her back. Emi joins me, giving pointers, working on Melissa's arms as I do her legs. Soon Melissa is asleep. We lay a towel over her.

Emi is looking at me, a frown on her face, "Why are you so bruised, Fina?" I look at myself, I am covered in light bruising.

"Victor was a bit rough at training this morning but then so was I, he was limping when he left. I am sure he was holding back, I know I was." I look at her. Her hair is still dry, "You haven't bathed yet?" She shakes her head. "All right, sit down."

I get a bucket of water then wash her, top to bottom. When I am done, we both get in the tub with the others. I had noticed the bruises earlier when the warm water helped ease the pain. Pain. Damn it, I was going to go get some willow bark this afternoon, but got side tracked, I'll have to do it in the morning. I ask Helen if she has cloth for three or four set of under garments? She does. I suggest when they do the dream space they show Melissa swim suits while there and hair styles also. We chat a while longer until Emi and I need to get out. After kissing the others good night, we wake Melissa, putting her in the her robe we walk her to her room. I gave her a hug at the door and she returned it saying, "Thank you dear."

Emi and I go to my rooms, where we joined Aaron in bed. He woke enough to kiss me before throwing an arm over me and returning to sleep. After snuffing the candle, Emi snuggled beside me, laying her head on my shoulder, "Love you, Fina." Soon she is snoring lightly.

I lay there a few more minutes, thinking, until I too fall asleep.