Having woken from her nap and completing a lighter workout, Kenzie entered the kitchen "Oh, I didn't realize anyone was here"

Artemis smiles as Kenzie comes into the kitchen..."We just got here darling...how are you doing?"

"I am fine. I was actually about to get a snack. I could warm up some of the left over shrimp scampi Hector made for dinner" Kenzie offers

"Help yourself darling...dont mind us..."  Artemis says with a soft smile...She directs her conversation back to Fayth..."What she always seems to want...Rommie's involvement in her court..."

"Hasnt she learned by now that Rommie has no interest in supporting her politics or her court...?"

Kenzie moved silently around the kitchen, pulling out the left overs to warm up for Artemis and the items she needed for a sandwich.

She ignores all that...I think she sees Rommie as a potential mate for her son...not that her father or I would allow that...

She is asking for trouble...

Kenzie finishes her making her sandwich and places the two dishes of Shrimp Scampi in front of Artemis and Fayth without saying a word. She puts her sandwich on a plate and slips out the kitchen door to sit out on the veranda.

Rommie is sitting outside on the veranda...eyes closed...a look of concentration on her face...

Seeing Rommin, Kenzie silently takes a seat and sets her plate down. She takes a bite of her sandwich and enjoys the quiet

As the two women leave the kitchen...heading toward different ends of the house...Rommie's eyes open...as she takes a deep breath....

Kenzie looks over at Rommie "welcome back" she says quietly as she takes a sip of water

Thanks...How are you feeling?

"better... still frustrated but better" she says as she finishes her sandwich.

It will take time...dont rush it...

Kenzie takes a deep breath and lets it out "I am trying. How was your meditation?"

Wasnt meditating...listening in on mom's conversation with Faith...

Kenzie smirked "I figured, but didnt want to assume."

The Queen wants me as a political hostage...a threat...to keep my father in line...

Kenzie shakes her head "I wouldnt put it past her to try"

 Hence why they are insisting that I stay out of it...traditionally I would have already been received at Court..Most noble born girls are introduced at Court at 16...I am almost 19...They have been using the idea that I want to achieve a higher education as a delaying tactic...

"She cant force you to go into that.. can she?" Kenzie asked

She hasn't forced the issue yet...but as Queen she can order anyone to court that she wishes...What mom and dad are worried about is the compulsory blood test that would be done to ensure my genetic linage...and since I am adopted....

You could be found ineligible... would that be such a bad thing?

Besides the fact that no one outside of the family knows I am adopted...I am not entirely sure why Mom and Dad are so resistant to her having me tested...but...considering we know someone out there tried to have us killed as infants...maybe that is what they fear...

"Good point, what are they going to do when you finish your education and he is not paired off yet"

I think they are hoping I would have married myself off by that point so it will be a mute point...

Do you have any prospects?

Not at the moment...

Kenzie looked away briefly "Me either" she said softly

If and when I do marry…I want it to be for love…not convience…or political alliance…just for…love…

"Love is important" she says softly

j

"Yeah...it is..."  She said softly...

Kenzi sits in silence while gazing out of the veranda.

The Duke gently clears his throat...stepping into view...

"Daddy..."

"You know better...young lady..."  He says...reprimanding his daughter...He then looks beyond her at Kenzie..."Mackenzie...if you would follow me please..."

Kenzie looks between Rommie and the Duke before standing "I will just clean this up first" she says as she grabs her plate

Come to my study please...

"sure" she says and makes her way back to the kitchen, cleans her plate and the few other dishes in the sink before heading to the Duke's study "Have I done something?" she asks as she enters.

He looks up at her as she enters..."Have a seat..."  He says bluntly...His demenor betrays the warm, comforting tones of his wood paneled study..."You have done nothing wrong..." He assures her...taping a few keys on the keyboard of his computer in front of him.  "You will be leaving for the kingdom of Canterberry tomorrow..."

"why?" she asks just as bluntly

"You will be safe there...I have arranged for you to attend a local college...Any degree of your chosing.  "  He says...

and what happened to the plan of my attending the academy with Rommie this fall as her handmaiden?

I need to ensure that you are safe...

Kenzie gives him an indecipherable look "So, the academy is safe enough for Rommie but I wouldn't be safe there?" she asked him implying that she didn't believe his reasoning.

He stops looking at his computer and looks directly at her..."Rommie has a target on her back...I don't want you caught in the potential cross fire."

The Slavers cant operate in Canterberry...Slavery is not allowed there...You will be far enough from the border that they wont dare make a play for you.  

"Slavery is not legal in Helios either, but that didn't stop them from destroying my entire village." She told him flatly "besides if you are worried about Rommie's safety it will be better if I am with her"

"And why is that?"  He asks...sitting back in his chair...letting her give her reasoning...

You keep telling me that you know my father. That you served with him. If that is true then you know how he was trained.

"We trained together..."  He says softly...nodding for her to continue...