Kate set her plate down as a footman pushed her chair in. Kate turned to him, "Thank you. Ann has your supper. Please go eat. I will be alright. The tables are lovely Thank everyone for me."<br/><br/>Kate turned and faced Cedric, "I always greet my footman. They are people too. Yes. Hot Spiced Apple cider. Yes, Papa allows it. I do not drink at dances. It just makes me sleepy. I like to stay up till midnight. I usually have a wine at dinner and occasionally apple brady when sick or toasting with Papa. How is the wine you are having? It is a select vintage from King Atrious's vineyards a few miles away. Careful go easy. You will wake up with a hangover. Be sure you drink plenty of water to avoid feeling horrid tomorrow morning. Two to three glasses of water for every glass of wine. Your fellow officers will wonder why you are not sick."<br/><br/>Kate drank half her water and set her glass down, "I know your nerves are on edge. Speaking to Papa did not help. He means well, and I wish he was more attentive towards you. I fear it maybe because you’re an elf. The rumors your may have heard are true. Papa was born a slave and his master was my grandfather. My grandfather gave Papa his name and title to the shire. King Atrious made Papa his advisor years ago. They were comrades together and once Papa became a knight and soldier. Cedric never challenge him. He fought in the pits and those styles of fighting are different from soldering. No. Not even Jon knows how to pit fight. Papa will not teach anyone. What I am telling you is no secret. You will understand when you see how I am treated at court."<br/><br/>Kate kissed his cheek and held his hand under the table, "I love you too. When you are knighted would be a good time to ask Papa to court me. I know every male in the mage guild and the battle mages among your officers. I desire only you. I do not want to be a royal. I want to live in the garden district either here or in Seville. I know a soldier's life and wish to be among the mage healers."<br/><br/>Kate saw her friend enter the room wearing a long taffeta, pink ball gown with puffy sleeves and ruffled hem dress. She wore a cameo around her neck on a pink satin ribbon and diamond tiara. Her brown hair was braided in a bun, "This one of my best friends Lady Elaine. Her father and mine have known each other many years. Her father has a county manor built by the same architect. Elain is a fellow classmate. She will deny it but is a challenge to me in all areas of studies. Besides, have beautiful brown hair and stunning blue eyes. She loves most of the things I do. She is an accomplished dancer and equestrian. She bests me in horse jumping."