From that first day on, Trixie and Emerick were kept constantly busy by each of the two remaining queens. In fact, more often than not, they didn't see each other until it was time to go to bed. Emerick was sent on countless errands while Trixie was kept constantly at Esmyria's side. Much as Emerick complained about his work, Trixie felt he had it easy.
Initially, they were willing to grin and bear it because the end of this ordeal seemed to be in sight. Emerick had expressed a hope that their little family would be back in their little estate within the week. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. After having expressed a few hopeful reports that all the damage would be cleaned and fixed in good time, the inspector returned from his final appraisal with grim news.
