"None of that, now," a stern voice interrupted, shot though with amusement.  The two serving girls backed away almost at once, bowing...for there was the same woman who, armored and mounted, had offered Karen her hospitality earlier.<br/><br/>"I see you two have been teasing the Queen's Favored," the young nobelle frowned at them.  "You know the law.  Report to the torturer for punishment."<br/><br/>"Oh, but my lady..."<br/><br/>"None of that, sluts!  Now finish dressing the Favored properly!"  She sighed, offering Karen a sad smile.  "Good help is so very difficult to find these days, I do confess it.  Now, unless you truly wish to make a wanton display of yourself, you may need to rein in your...activity."  She might have smiled, but it was hard to tell.  "I think perhaps I will help you later.  I have that right....and that duty."