Today was one of those rare days. He gestured her over to his sitting area. Alaina slipped off her robe and gloves after placing the last containers in the cupboards. She poured him a glass of wine and herself a glass of water. Her excitement began to boil over. Alaina sat when he told her to, but she was still jumping with anticipation. When he spoke of his discoveries, she eagerly listened.

"Alaina, Alaina, Alaina," he whispered. "Please, calm down. We are not here to speak of what I discovered."

Alaina frowned in disappointment. "What are we to talk about, Master?"

"Your future. As you know, I am getting on in years. We must decide what to do with you when I go."

"You're not going to..." Alaina gulped, then whispered, "die, are you?"

"I don't know when that will happen. Obviously we cannot return you to your family; they are all deceased."

Alaina looked down. She had never truly believed that all of her family was gone. Some part of her hoped that someday, someone would save her from this horrid place.

There was a knock on the laboratory door. Her master sighed and stood up. He never let Alaina answer the door; in fact he never let her outside. The only view of the outside, the only sun she ever received, was from a tiny window in her room, barely the size of her head.

Alaina leaned to get a glimpse of whoever was at the door. The woman that Alaina often thought about fell into her master's arms, weeping.

"He's dead! He's dead!" she exclaimed.

"Who, my love?" he whispered.

"My husband!"

"Let us go, now." He pushed the woman out the door with him.

Though her master was trying to speak quietly, Alaina heard the short conversation. She had a very keen sense of hearing; she had to know if and when people were coming in to the room she was in.

Alaina stood up once the door was shut and resumed cleaning. After a few moments of silence, when her master was probably comforting the woman, they began yelling at each other. Alaina could hear their muffled yells through the door. As usual, she could not understand a word of what they were saying.

When she finished, she decided to bathe herself. Her master had not let her do this in a week, so she decided now was a better time than never. She enjoyed the bath; she heated up the water so it was steaming and then washed herself thoroughly. Her master didn't make any indication that he wanted her so she took her dear, sweet time.

The bells at the front door jangled. The bathing room was right over the front door.

Alaina threw on a robe and then ran to her room to get dressed in her nicest, most clean clothes; just a plain, faded burgundy dress with long sleeves. It was a bit warm for summer, but Alaina wanted to look at least somewhat decent for her master's guests.

She looked in her mirror and attempted unsuccessfully to comb her thick hair with her fingers. Alaina gave up and then headed down to the front door.

Before she entered the hall, she eavesdropped.

"Who are you?" her master said in a low and dangerous voice.

"My name is Gem and this is Jaetyn, my brother," respond a woman's sweet voice. Alaina figured she could not have been much older than herself. She wondered at how this strange lady could speak so confidently and kindly in her master's presence.

"We are here to speak to the king of Tremain," continued Gem. "We have been trying to find the palace, with no success. We have decided to ask you where he lives."

Alaina attempted to peek around the corner as her master said, "Who are you, really?" in an accusing voice. Gem, who sighed, was so extravagantly dressed that Alaina had to gasp. She quickly withdrew her head, but the damage was done her master had heard.

"Alaina!" he ordered.

She came timidly and quickly to his side, purposely looking down to avoid eye contact.

"Bring some refreshments to the sitting room. I have a few questions for our guests."

"Yes, sir," Alaina said.

She went to do his bidding but heard, "I recognize that voice," from the strange man she had barely noticed.

Gem cleared her throat as they were led to the sitting room.

No words were spoken, as far as Alaina knew, until she returned.

"Please, play the violin quietly for us," said her master.

Alaina almost hugged him, despite his frequent cruelty; this was a most special treat. She had discovered her rare talent when she was younger. Alaina had picked up the same old violin and had played it without any training. She had never even seen anyone play it before. Her master sometimes brought her other instruments to try. Alaina played each with the same knowledge and perfection. She could often not resist the urge and would quickly pick the violin up to play for a few moments.

As she played, their conversation resumed. Alaina closed her eyes as the bow slid easily across the strings on the violin, in a perfect melody. She was good at seeming to be absorbed in her music, but was actually listening intently to the conversation.

"I ask again, who are you?" her master demanded.

"I am Princess Genevieve of Arnaude. This is my bodyguard." Alaina nearly gasped again, but maintained her steady composure. "We are traveling home to Arnaude, but I have decided to repair some of the relationships my kingdom has with others. I've come to make amends with your king."

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