"My Empress, would you please hear my troubles and give some advice? I am having some trouble with . . .. Let us enter my chambers where we can have some privacy." Patti led the Empress into her room, where she proceeded to say to following.
"My Empress, I think I have feelings for a certain young man, and I really don't know what I can do about it. I mean, I don't know if he like me also, or if his feelings are for another!"
"Patti, I think that Shamal likes you," was the frank reply of the girl.
"You do? How did you know it was Shamal?" Patti asked.
"O, it is quite simple when I see you two together, you guys flirt!" Karen laughed.
"We do NOT flirt! So far, we are good friends!" Patti defended.
"Such friendship I have never seen!" Karen poked Patti in the arm, "When will you face the fact that you are a un-conscience flirter?"
"I am?" Patti smiled, remembering a few times when she might have been flirting with Jehan.
"O, yes! You simple drive the boys wild! I think it is your eyes, and the fact that you wear so much blue! It simply makes it impossible for your eyes to be unnoticeable!" Karen exclaimed.
"But what shall I do about Shamal? You haven't answered my question!" Patti reminded.
"O, that's easy! Heavy flirting does the trick! Don't worry, I believe that Queen Patti of Chelestra of Imperial Ruok will get her man!" Karen said. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have to practice some magic, as I am a little rusty in the arts of tortornian and kon. It really is bothersome."
"Yes, yes, of course. I hope you fair well in your lessons," Patti said, leading Karen to the door of her chambers. "And thank you, very much!"
**Shamal, would you like to have a walk with me one last time before we leave the palace?** Patti telepathically called out.
**Yes, Patti, that would be wonderful!** Shamal replied.
**Then meet me at the northern entrance in five minutes and we shall walk. Bring only ten lads, and I will bring ten lasses. If trouble arises, they can call back on the comlink,** Patti instructed.
**Your wish is my command!** Shamal joked.
Five minutes later, Patti and Shamal, still in uniform, were walking together, admiring the scenery. Patti hadn't consciously started flirting yet, but one would think she had. She looked quite pretty, the white face (Naturally white) with pink blushed against it because of the cold.
"You look quite charming at the moment, Patti," Shamal complimented. Patti blushed a deep rose red, which became her at the moment.
"Thank you, Shamal," Patti said. Glancing back, she noticed the lads and lasses ever so slightly away from them. "I believe that I shall enjoy my trip to your regions greatly."
Shamal reached up, and brushed hair away from Patti's face. He let his hand fall so that it cradled Patti's chin, and let it stay that way. He looked unabashedly into Patti's ever changing eyes, and made Patti feel as if he could read her very soul. They stayed that way for about a moment. Then, he kissed her.
