Durga caught Deawen's movements near the dress. She observed the bead rolling of the floor. She said softly, "Now you are like a rat, chewing holes in treasures worth more and the likes of you. Watch yourself now, someone just might find out." She left Dea to consider this and went back to Korin.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Dea picked up the bead as Durga left... she was close to tears she knew it but a sudden idea came to mind...
Dea summond her courage and followed Durga out the door she went straight to the Queen she bowed carefuly then knelt on the floor waiting quietly. she clenched her fist so tight from fear her could feel the bead press into her hand. The Queen looked down suddenly surprised at Dea's presence " What is it?" she asked with a slight tone of irratation. Dea chose her words carefuly " I found this on the floor I beleive it is fromt he dress" she said quietly in her most submissive tone. The queen sat motionless for a moment Dea bit her lip hoping this wasn't the worst mistake she had ever made. the queen laughed and took the bead from her " what honesty! a rareity!" she cried Dea felt relief spread it's warmth in her cheeks The Queen turned to Lady Ardol " this bead is solid gold many would have kept it without a word! " Lady Ardol nodded her agreement she looked At Dea with a new light she always liked Dea she was honest and meek but she never really paid attention to her. The Queen laughed again and pulled out a silk purse she pulled out a gold coin and handed it to Dea... Dea stared at it in disbeleif but remembered her manners " thank you Majesty" she said, again with her tone of submission she bowed again and dashed to a corner blushing. That was not her intent for a reward but it was nice.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

As soon as Durga rejoined the group in the other room, Korin asked, "So, what of your letter last night late? What did your father do when you told him?" Durga explained the story in full, Prince Sabar and her brother listening intently. In turn, Korin and Sabar did their best to explain the history to Durga, who found it all very disturbing. "I don't wish to think of this. The past has no place in the present," she said fiercely. An awkward silence ensued, and Korin was anxious to break it. "So, do you know what will be served at the wedding?" Durga laughed at the absurdity of this frivilous question after the heavy conversation. She glanced at Sabar, "No, I have not thought of it."

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Sabar sidhed he had hoped that Durga had thought about it so he could avoid it. he said nothing he just sat in his chair with a pleasant enough expression. Korin looked at Durga like she should have thought of it. "roasted venicein, candied peaches and roots ( i refuse to use the word tubers) served over piping hot bread. roasted almonds served on boar." it was Dorgon that answered the question Korin laughed and Sabar smiled.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

"I would prefer something a bit more delicate, like peaches carved into roses or almond-encrusted pheasant. I would also want Gondorian wine, and maybe some lamb from Rohan. Surely, if we are a trade nation, then a royal wedding should showcase that," reasoned Durga.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Korin clapped her hands in delight " what a wonderful idea!' she squeaked, Sabar nodded his agreement something light and delicate. Dorgon began making jokes with sabar who laughed hartily. "what shall we have for dessert?" Korin asked

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Durga thought for a moment and tried to envision something fantastic. "A cake in the shape of a palace guard, with spun sugar hair and almond paste clothes."

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Korin made a face and Dorgon laughed, " well I am sure that would be rememberable"
Sabar smiled " I was thinking a white candy peacock encrusted with sugar gems and glaze" he added it would be a beautiful treat." Korin nodded and clapped her hands " I like it! what about you Durga?"

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Durga smiled, slightly surprised. "I would not have thought you to be one of such imagination," she said with a slight smile. "I'm glad to see you take some interest in the wedding proceedings." There was a bit of resentment in her tone.

_________________
Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

If sabar had noticed the resentment in Durga's tone he didn't seem to notice.
A bell tolled announcing the feast that awaited them. "we should go and change" Korin whispered, she clapped her hands and a hidden slave came forward and followed Korin silently " where is your handmaiden?" Korin asked.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Durga made a horrible face. It was lucky that Sabar was leaving with Dorgon as the emotion passed over. "I would rather dress myself, like a commoner, than allow her the honor!" she said fiercely. "She is a conniving rat who seems to enjoy making my life difficult."

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Korin giggled " ask for a new handmaiden then"
"Haven't you asked your father to sell her? it would be the answer to your problems"
Korin fell silent as they entered a dressing chamber, Dea was already in the corner she had the clothes already laid out on one of the trunks neatly folded. Dea stood in a corner silent and meek.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

"He believes that he can choose my servants better than I can. He would never sell her, either. He paid more than 70 gold coins for her, and there is no way he could get as much for her," Durga whispered. She stood and waved for Deawen to leave and called Brama to help her. The little girl helped her dress quickly and left just as quickly to go and find the other children. The new clothes were stiff and slightly scratchy, but not as oppressive as the wedding robes. "Well, shall we go?"

_________________
Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Korin was dressed and ready " you know the duchess of thain? supposedly she has a lover but no one seems to know who?" Korin knew most gossip and was ready to send it off.

Dea was dismissed she left the room but was immedialtly sent back by Lady Ardol who followed Dea to Durga " Durga You are the future queen you must keep you handmaiden near at hand in case something happens!" she hissed.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Durga looked at her mother coldly and said, "My handmaiden is to be Brama. This one is not my choice, and as soon as I am no longer under Lord Ardol's control, she will be the first one sent to the scullery. I will not have her near me!" She caught up with Korin and shook off ther encounter with her mother. "I think I have an idea who it might be," she said, glancing not-so-subtly at Dorgon.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Lady Ardol was taken aback. she snorted her displeasure then stormed off, leaving Deawen at the mercy of the tiger. Dea looked at the floor slilently trying despartly to blend in with the wall.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home