The scent of pancakes and bacon wafted through her room. It was too early for breakfast, her work out usually lasted two hours. She put on her normal work out clothes and walked out of her room to the kitchen where she found both her brother and her best friend sharing the kitchen.
“It’s exam day, Kara!” Jac called happily, “You’re going to get enough of a work out over the next two days. Figured once you were up you wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep, so I thought I’d make breakfast…only to find Emily in my kitchen!”
“Your kitchen?” Emily teased, shooting Jac a grin, “I believe it was my morning to cook breakfast. I’ll have crepes ready in a bit. They’re far superior to pancakes and they’re Kara’s favorite.” Jac laughed and proceeded to set the table, moving with speed and dexterity neither Kiera nor Emily could match.
“Well, the first part is the physical test right? So I’d still need to be dressed in my workout gear,” Kiera replied, sitting down. She pulled her told blonde hair back into a ponytail. Her body had undergone several changes in the last year. Her breasts were fuller despite working out, her hair turned golden blonde with natural platinum and copper highlights and her eyes had turned from deep blue to a sparkling amethyst. She felt immediately relaxed among groups of people and found flirting to come naturally to her. Her muscles went undefined giving her a supple and slender appearance, making her stronger than she looked.
“That’s true, and we do have to catch a shuttle to Albus. We should be at the spaceport by six thirty, that’s give us time to arrive and get to the exam site,” Jac said, zipping back to the kitchen and bringing out the plates of strawberry crepes topped with whipped cream, “So make sure to get a good breakfast!”
“We will be rooting for you,” Emily said, joining them, “I wish I could do the exam alongside you.”
“You’re exempt from military duty,” Jac said, “You’ve been her handmaiden your entire life, that’s a service to the Empire few can claim. Do you have any plans when Kara goes in for her tour? Chalice enlisted in the Navy when Tamariel joined; Once Tam made Captain she arranged to have Chalice assigned as her Chief Medical Officer. Gaelan took a post on Versaille as majordomo to their King. I think he was just glad to be rid of me.”
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“I haven’t, I know that handmaidens and pages get to choose what they want to do with their lives once our charge leaves the home. I might just go back to Orlan and serve Lady Elise,” Emily said, “I’m going to miss Kara so much while she’s gone.”
“You can always come back to Albion and live here. I like the company and it’ll be good to know that someone is here when I’m on the circuit. I usually pay a lady in Oxington to clean the place once a week when I’m gone,” Jac offered.
“I guess I will be sixteen this year,” Emily teased, cutting into her food.
“Okay? You won't have to worry about any expenses with your Imperial stipend and if you’re taking care of the house then charge whatever you like to my accounts,” Jac said, “You’re good company and a fantastic cook, nothing else I need.”
Kiera grinned at her friend; Emily had developed quite a crush on Jac during their stay and especially enjoyed their off days when they visited the beach and the workouts in the pool. Jac hadn’t acknowledged it at all, either he was oblivious or not interested. She hadn’t seen him bring anyone home or go home with anyone since they arrived on Albion; he was certainly popular with the girls when they went out dancing, or to the parties after races, and the Jinxing Harvest Ball. She shook her head, she needed to get her mind focused on the exam.
The second year of Jac’s training had been even more intense than the first. His expectations rose, he put on a sterner persona and pushed her as hard as he was able. Kiera had a better year in the minors, the competition was much fiercer than the year before and she took third, finishing every race.
They finished breakfast making light conversation and joking, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Once they were finished, Jac quickly did the dishes. They climbed into his hover car and headed for the spaceport. Tamarial called her on the way.
“Big day, Kara, are you ready?”
“I am. Two years with Jac and your four week long camps have prepared me for everything. I think.”
Tamarial smiled, “Just remember that it’s not just your scores. They’ll be looking for how you conduct yourself, teamwork, and leadership. Ignore anyone that tries to give you grief about being a pretty girl or bedroom promotions. Watch the sass, and Good Luck. You’re going to do great.”
“Thanks, Liri. Give Chalice a hug for me!” Kiera watched the spaceport come into view. Two seasons of racing, hours of workouts, inspections, and extra lessons were about to be put to use.