One of the largest rooms in the Castle
Eight in the Morning.
A slender lady lay in bed, her clothes spilled across the floor beside her. An arm lay across her naked stomach and she slowly stirred as sunlight spilled in from the large elegant window.
"Your highness," the lady slowly rose from the bed, her hands reaching out to grab a corner of the sheets of the bed to cover herself, "Oh my, it's already morning!"
The man in the bed smiled lazily as he looked up at her, his eyes darkening with lust, "Surely we can stay together a little longer, my beautiful Diana."
The girl giggled as she pushed silky orange strands of her hair off her shoulder and snuggled back in with the prince, "You are most indecent at this hour of the day!"
The large room continued to hear loud moans and giggles from the two as its doors stayed close and the maids outside fidgeted and walked around restless.
--
The royal Kitchen
Six in the morning.
The royal kitchen was abuzz with activity. Several trained men and women walked around busily adding finishing touches to their dishes or plating their creations.
Ms. Heigreene had her place on the top step of a large staircase that led to a secondary kitchen before it led out into the grand Dining Area for the royal family.
The tall lady was quiet as she watched the progress move quickly and efficiently. She had designed enough systems and routines that if each person did their part, the kitchen would function perfectly.
Her eyes caught sight of the few new entrants to the kitchen and their obvious struggle fitting in. They were trying and that, Ms. Heigreene knew would help them fit in in just a few days.
Lana was one among them. The child was not the most careful cook but she was tidy and never late and tried her best. What had very much impressed Ms. Heigreene was one of her cookies one day.
It had been a busy day at the kitchen with the Royal Family hosting an entire ball for the nobles and well-wishers and Ms. Heigreene had just sat down after a grueling time.
The party had been a grand success and the food had been one of it's main highlights.
Tired, Ms. Heigreene had sent all the staff home and ordered for them to return only the next day before she'd sat herself slowly in the dim secondary kitchen upstairs.
An hour of rest and a cookie had slowly been handed to her, straight into her face.
She had looked up and found the newly recruited Lana staring at her with a look of concern, "You look tired, ma'am."
Ms. Heigreene had paused and watched Lana become nervous before accepting the cookie.
She had convinced the girl that there was no need for her to stay or to bake cookies and to just follow orders before taking a bite of the delicious treat.
She had never looked at Lana the same way after.
The girl possessed a distinct skill in making certain dishes, mostly desserts, and Ms. Heigreene had been impressed.
She had gone on to realise Lana was rather terrible at following orders properly or taking things slowly in the kitchen but the girl made an honest effort and Ms. Heigreene was one who appreciated the intention.
Now, as she watched the kitchen slowly come to a halt, right on time and right as she had planned, she smiled.
She was better at her job than anyone and she knew it.
She would use Lana's skill and train a new set of pastry chefs to wow the royal family's taste buds in just the next month.
Royal Training grounds for the Knights
Six in the morning.
"I need your help!"
Cayle sighed with a smile before he looked over at his red-headed friend.
"Did you hear that, Treade? Damien wants our help wooing his new girl."
Treade rolled his eyes, "What happened to the plump tall one at the bar the other month?"
"We've parted ways!" Damien wailed, "She was wonderful but left me for a Swordsmith."
Treade and Cayle exchanged glances, "She left you?"
Damien nodded.
"Smart girl," Treade muttered with a smirk.
Damien sulked.
Cayle nodded, "I'm surprised. She must have been the first woman to leave you before you tired of her. I must say, I'm impressed with her speed."
Damien did not meet their eyes, his right foot slowly making soft circles in the sand, something he did before admitting to some guilty deed.
The two men frowned at the action before looking up to glare at him, "Damien…"
"It's not my fault!"
Cayle sighed in irritation as Treade glared at Damien before stalking off.
"I don't even know how women fall for you," Cayle said, his brow creased in annoyance.
"Or how there's any still left," Treade called over his shoulder as he walked fast to a tall strong table where various weapons were laid out. "Now, hurry up! We're wasting precious time listening to him say the same thing every week."
"But this time, I know she's the one to marry!"
Cayle sighed as he followed Treade's steps to the weapons table. "Spare us today, Damien. We really must focus on training."
"We haven't trained in weeks," Treade picked up a large battle axe and flexed before he began to wave it in long, powerful strokes over his head.
"Please be careful," Cayle said gently, "I need to get to the sword."
Treade huffed away with his chosen weapon with Damien whining as he trailed over as well.
"She's gorgeous, this new one! I haven't seen her in the kitchen before! She giggled at me, no doubt taken by my stunning good loo-"
Cayle threw a spear at Damien that he fumbled to catch.
"I'm going to train hard today so shut your mouth," Treade said.
Damien whimpered before turning his attention to Cayle.
"You always have so many women flocking for your attention, Cayle. You're not rude and uncouth like a certain someone called Trea-"
Treade let out a warning growl from where he stood warming up with his axe, swinging the massive weapon around with his strong hands.
Cayle laughed, "Well, the Annual Tournaments are coming around, Damien. Maybe placing in the top ten will get you the attention you want."
Damien sighed, "You know I'm not good at that sort of thing."
"The whole point of us being the Royal Guards is so we can-"
Damien stopped Treade by speaking, "But wait! You always place in the top ten! Is that- Is that how?"
Cayle winked, "It would appear women have more of an eye on the Top ten than even the Army General does."
"That old useless-"
Both Damien and Cayle turned to look at Treade.
"You could be more careful with your words, Treade," Cayle cautioned, setting down the cloth he had polished his sword with.
"It's the truth," Treade muttered and the other two sighed.