Chapter 41 The Maids in Waiting Make a Royal Visit

Maid Patty had been encouraged to go to Egypt with the other women of the Sanctuary, to visit Pharoh's Palace. Maid Patty wanted very much to see the palace and so she had gone with the women. Now she felt awkward. She did not yet feel close to either of them, even Celeste who had worked hard in the Sanctuary gardens alongside her.

While she wouldn't call Maid Heather and Celeste close, they did seem more comfortable with each other since their trip with Allen.

Maid Heather is certainly the more fortunate of the 3, higher class, finer gowns, and lovely besides. Maid Patty watched how everyone turned toward Maid Heather. Perhaps it is natural for eyes to draw toward nobility. At least with all eyes on Maid Heather, Maid Patty had a chance to observe people. Though she did long to draw the ninja into conversation. It would be wonderful to learn from him. Maid Patty didn't feel it was her place to address the man. She thought if Celeste knew better she wouldn't stand so close to nobility without being bidden to, but she was only a peasant. Then Maid Patty's face reddened with the thought that Maid Heather may have done just that, by some nod of the head, a smile, or even a glance at Celeste.

Once they had been invited to enjoy the palace, as Allen said they would, Maid Heather motioned to Celeste, and then to Maid Patty to follow her. Maid Patty felt better at once.

"Come. Allen told me where the bubble blower is. Celeste and I loved the one at Genie's Cloud Castle."

Celeste giggled as the they followed Maid Heather.

After a time Celeste announced she wished to find the Pharoh's hot spring Allen had also spoken of.
The others did not follow, and giggled a response.

Leaving the other Celeste wandered back through the hallways and courtyards.

She came across the room Allen described, with the pool of water and hot spring.

Laying her dress aside she stepped into the hot spring in her shift. Celeste was glad Allen had mentioned it. The hot water soothed her muscles that ached from her hard work. How kind of the wise man.

Back at the bubble blower, Maid Heather was feeling the full effect. Maid Patty puzzled over the noblemaid drifting upward. There was no obvious cause. Finally she decided it must be magic.

"Patty, I want to meet the Egyptian Royals."

Abruptly Maid Heather stopped blowing her bubbles. Patty followed Heather, entranced by the palace walls.

When they approached the Pharoh and his Queen, Maid Patty hung back. Heather did not. She strode right past Jini, the Genie's wife, and up to Queen Cleopatra herself.

While she didn't have the nerve to converse with them, Maid Patty enjoyed being in the presence of the Pharoh and his Queen. She stood in awe, first of Heather's composure and confidence as she held a conversation with Queen Cleopatra. She was clearly bred to be a courtier. Then at the finery with which the Egyptians adorned their hair.

Then with the lack of clothing displayed before her. For the remainder of their visit, Maid Patty was cloaked in a blush.