She had tried going to school, but her head was sore after the first week. They kept pulling it. She now had a private tutor in music, magic (rune, teani, kon, transo, and tortornian) dance, (Both formal and what Karen liked to call "fun") fighting, war (She was Chief of War) and regular lessons. She also had a disguise teacher, one to help Karen blend in more with her surroundings. Karen doubted that one would work.
Today, Karen was white. He face was died very white and her hair was white, also. Her lips were even died white. She was wearing a white shirt, a white turtleneck sweater, and a white cap. He trousers were white, and her white boots came up to her knees. Her gloves covered her arm to the elbow. The stunner she carried was also white. She blended in wonderfully with the snow she was so used to.
After the week in Renoka, the vote made Renoka a kingdom in Ruok. She made Jehan a temporary ruler, while she reviewed the candidates for ruler. Karen and Patti had hurried to Karen favorite palace, the one in the extreme north. Karen had named it White Paradise.
"Patti, you look smashing! Simply smashing!" Karen had said when Patti showed up dressed in a deep blue sweater and long pants. Lighter blue, fur-lined gloves protected her hands, and a matching fur-lined hat to cover her ears. Her face was natural-colored, save her lips, which were painted a matching blue. Her blue stunner lay within easy reach, but hidden from plain sight by the sweater, which was made out of a warm type of fabric. Winter was one of her least favorite seasons, preferring the always-warm climate of Chelestra, but she had to admit, the scenery was breathtaking.
"Patti, let's go hunting. We shall each take only two of our lasses, that way we will be not so laden down with "Help" The artillery have set up the grounds. Don't look so shocked! I have fake animals hidden around here, and they move like the real ones. That is what I hunt. It is great fun! You'll love it!" Karen was speaking fast, because she was excited.
The older girl laughed. "Dear, I would rather try that type lip dye you are wearing at the moment. Where did you get it? It is so sweet looking! It suites you to a "T"! I mean, I have lovely lip dye, I even have white, but it doesn't stay on so lovely! Please, l really would like to!" Patti didn't want to go and shoot anything, even if it was a fake. She loved the artillery classes she took, but she hated the idea of shooting anything! She adjusted the glasses she was wearing, and smiled as the younger girl lead her into the house. They ran into Karen's make-up chambers. The procession of twenty lasses followed them, chatting like the old friends they were. They knew each other well, and were the best of friends.
"Empress? There is a caller for you. King Shamal of Solace of Imperial Ruok," Karen's maid Totoyo called. Karen and Patti jumped up, to see their friend Shamal. He was a neighbor of Karen's. Patti got there just before Karen and threw the door to the waiting room open. Karen came a moment later, and they burst into laughter at the site of Shamal in his royal garments and they two in their "play" clothes.
"Shamal, you really should have come here in more comfortable clothes, because a hike really will spoil these ones!" Karen said merrily, draping her arm around her comrade's waist. "Shamal, what's the matter?" Karen said, looking at Shamal's grave face.
