Hours later they finally arrived at Morga's, a sore-footed, arm-wrenched and package-laden Pylaemenes following both women, who showed no signs of fatigue as they walked lightly and chattered on about gowns and jewelry.

Nadira told her servant to take all the packages up to her room. Though Shani eyed them all with a bit of reluctance she decided she could manage in two trips. Up the stairs she disappeared, an occasional grunt fading away as she made her way down the hallway.

Turning to the gasping tutor, Nadira smiled and directed him to the parlor. He dropped heavily into a chair and laid his head against the back till his breathing eased and his feet stopped throbbing so mercilessly. He suddenly realized he'd been totally ignoring his companion, and lifted his head with a sharp jerk to find her staring at him in a most disconcerting manner.

"My apologies, Nadira. It has been a most tiring and long day," he said politely. He desperately tried to ignore her stare. It had many hints in it of too much that was out of his range of experience. Coughing lightly, he added, "Will it be long before we meet with my potential new employer?"

Giggling inside at where her thoughts had taken her upon staring at him, Nadira stood gracefully. "I shall see if she is in the house. Take your ease, Pylaemenes. I'll be back shortly."