Claris sighed tiredly, wiping a sodden strand of hair out of her face, "I'm okay with him. It seems that Mary likes him a lot and that certainly prevents her from coming and knocking things over." she scrubbed for awhile before asking suddenly, "So you<span style="font-style: italic">like</span>him?"<br/><br/>******<br/><br/>Edward sighed, "I guess you are right. But no, I'm not having children draw me. That would probably catch the princess's attention if I was ever stupid enough to do that."<br/><br/>"Oh let me tell you something that both of you still may not know; while both of you were still sparring with mock swords, I had to be present to prevent you from making the other cry and I noticed that Allen ended up crying more because you were not very kind with your piece of wood." Edward smiled sentimentally.Â<br/><br/>"Also, you will find something behind the canvas of this painting. Just don't do it when I'm around, I don't want to see you meddling with my painting. Or else..." He said in the most convincing manner he could. Not as convincing as he would like but- he shrugged mentally.Â<br/><br/>******<br/><br/>Allen wrapped his fingers around Vesta's wrist. "I'm sorry but you can't do that and if it makes you feel any better; I need your help to finish this." He pulled her to her feet, which she reluctantly obliged, grumbling about the heat and rolling her sleeves down.Â<br/><br/>An hour later, both of them returned to the princess's quarters. Once again, Vesta was to wait outside while Allen informed Taya that dinner was ready in the adjacent room. Allen knocked softly on the door leading to the princess's bedroom, "My lady, dinner is ready in the dining chamber, unless you want to eat in your room?"