, and set out to become independant water miners. They staked a good claim in the wilds of darkside, out of sightline from earth, and settled down to ...onely toil. Then those bastard bandits had taken all their gains, and they had to go into hock for food and supplys. They could crack the water for air and fuel, using the solar plates, sure- but Damn, they were pissed off, and they woud be ready next time. The bandits were too clever to take any of their equiptment, as it was all indelibily. Not that there’s much of a tide ... there’s not ... but old habits die hard. We left with the tide.Bea said, “Not Beatrice ... Bea ... and NOT B-e-e ... Mom was a little religious ... Beatitude Simmons.”I had a thought... “Thinking like that could find you overboard.”“Yes, ma’am ... not Tudie ... B-e-a ... got it.”She grinned.“Whoa, Surprise ... you may have saved my life ... B-E-A. What happened with your sister?”“Mom was out ... unconscious ... after Missy was born. Before Mom woke up, Daddy. “He must truly treasure you, my dear; something this valuable is only given when a man genuinely cares for a woman,” my mother told me.I felt shivers running through me at that statement, thinking about what Edward is coming to treasure about me. I just hope I can be all that he expects.It was almost an hour before Edward and my father came back into the living room. Smiles on both their faces. “Well, it looks like we have things to celebrate tonight. Go get your things, girls; I am taking. "I paused for a moment, before I could bring myself to finally say it,"dresses?" That's up to Frieda, really," the King replied, "But if you work as ahandmaiden, it would be expected that you dress like one as well." I see," I said slowly, "With no disrespect or ungratefulness, but whatwould happen should I refuse your offer?" Then I would remind you that you are bound to serve the court until yourcontract is terminated by the King," she said, a little less pleasantly,"There is always room for.