" Thank you."She gave me a hug which felt really good. Then I heard my mom calling"Caroline! Where are you?" I better go out to her. Thank you for the...water and .... you know."She gave me a peck on the cheek and I went out to find my mom and thegirls."There you are Caroline. Jordan has picked out a pattern for herbridesmaid dresses and you need to be measured. Go into the dressingroom and strip down to panties and bra."I was horrified at the prospect but before I could say anything. In the eastern corner of the palace, were the apartments of the Queen Mother, Neferu, who was considered by many to be the most beautiful woman in all Egypt. She was held in high regard by the people, having herself came from a humble background before marrying the previous Pharaoh and often engaged in acts of philanthropy to help those in need having not forgotten her roots.Her apartments were no exception to the rest of the palace, being spacious and richly decorated as befitting a senior. As I swiped my security card past the reader and the door popped open, I had the uneasy feeling that the office wasn’t empty. I didn’t hear anyone, and didn’t see anyone, but there was this vibe that I couldn’t ignore.I crept down the hall as quietly as I could, thankful that since it was Saturday I was wearing cross-trainers instead of dress shoes. I made it to my office without running into anyone, and started feeling a bit easier when I realized that the office wasn’t as quiet as I first. I could not stand knowing you in the hands of that foul potentate.”Mirabel shuddered at the thought. “I understand, dearest. I suppose there is no way to guarantee my safety here. That captain may leave behind his agents even after the xebec leaves Gibraltar. But are you quite certain that it is safe for you to entertain that man in your cabin?”“I have to chance it. Besides, I shall be prepared against foul play.”“Be careful, Thomas. I could not stand to lose you either!”It was a lucky.