21 -- Preparations.

Laura stretched, shamelessly yawning wide into her pillow. She had slept extremely late, going through the basics that had to be taken care of before they welcomed the Vampires. Even though she was extremely tired, this part of running a kingdom appealed to her. Inviting dignitaries and welcoming guests. She loved it all. She threw off her covers, standing and stretching her arms over her head again. She could feel the knots in her neck and shoulder unwind and she sighed. The days left till Prince Nicholas's arrival could be counted on her fingers and that spurred her movements the most. She got dressed in under an hour, a feat for her and left Suzy alone in her room as she marched down to the halls. Elaine was already there, a troop of guards and maids hunkered on the floor, waiting for her. They all stood when she came in and greeted her, some with a frown and the other with indifference. Laura tried not to make her hurt show and promised herself that she'd show them her competen