All three royals were laughing when the guard announced the arrival of the handmaidens. Queen Anne dabbed at her eyes from laughing so hard. She raised her hand and waved it, signaling the guard to let the women come closer to them. As soon as she composed herself, she turned slightly in her chair and looked the girls over, a kind smile on her face. [color=salmon]"I am pleased to have you three arrive here safely,"[/color] she greeted.

Adam looked at the girls with an openly friendly smile on his lips while Adrian sat back on his chair. His expression was aloof despite the lazy smile that was still on his lips. Why his mother needed three handmaidens was beyond him. [i]We have so many servants that they will eventually overrun this castle,[/i] was what he always said. [color=00aeef]"Why are there three? I thought only Alisa was leaving?"[/color] Adrian asked straightforwardly.

[color=salmon]"Why, one would be serving me and the other two would serve you and Adam, of course,"[/color] the queen replied as-a-matter-of-factly. 

Both Princes sat up. Adam's friendly look didn't change despite his obvious protest. Adrian's smile completely disappeared and was replaced by a frown and he was the one who spoke up first. [color=00aeef]"Mother, that is not necessary. Both Adam and I can take care of ourselves just fine. There are many servants in the castle. We would ask if we needed help. Why bother having someone wait on us?"[/color]

[color=aquamarine]"I agree with Adrian,"[/color] contributed the younger of the two.

Queen Anne turned to her two boys and flashed them a tolerating smile. She opened her mouth and dished out a statement that meant that she would hear no more protests or arguments. [color=salmon]"Because I said so,"[/color] her voice was stern and there was a tone in it that was final. She turned back to the three women with the same kind smile on her lips. [color=salmon]"Now, tell me what your names are, my dears."[/color]