Emeton watched his daughter as she worked. He had been a little this surprised to see her in local clothing that morning. He reminded himself she had been there two years in the past. What impressed him was what she had done in those two years. She had apparently gone to school, held a job, and was able to come up with enough money to buy a house. This was, of course, in addition to meeting her husband and learning a new fighting style. He didn’t think it was wise to ask where she got the money for the house. She had volunteered that she sold some stuff. He didn’t ask what stuff it was. He’d learned better long ago. Now, she was busy with bookwork of some kind. He believed it was related to the house. It, like most of the work he’d seen her do, was done with efficiency and tenacity. He didn’t know if that was something she had learned at the palace or during her time away. What he did know was that it was there when she returned. She had asked him a few times if there was something he needed. She didn’t ignore him like he had ignored her on those time she had been sent to him for discipline. “Are you sure you don’t need anything?” She asked again. He smiled. “Just to stay out of the kitchen. Andy, Sapphire, and your mother are gossiping like old women on wash day. Ann smiled. “Where are Pt’this and Shunati?” “I think Shunati’s still asleep. I’m not sure where Pt’this is.” “Are you sure Sapphire’s in the kitchen?” Ann said with a grin. Emeton glared at her, and she waved him off. “They’re newlyweds. Let them have their fun before the baby comes.” “That fun is what caused that baby to come.” “I know. My parents had six children in four years.” Ann laughed. “I look forward to when Andy and I can have a baby. “Is that why you two are trying to keep up with Pt’this?” Ann laughed again. “No. It keeps Drepal asleep. She does not like it at all. We’ve been taking precautions. We need to get this done first.” “I hope we can find your grandfather soon.” “So do I.” Nim entered the room meekly. “Uh, Your Majesty?” He asked. Emeton wondered what he had done this time. The dragon only called him that when he thought he might get mad. “Do you need me to leave?” Ann offered. “No,” Nim said. He turned to Emeton. “I know you asked us not to tell anyone, but I told Joanne we’re here looking for someone and that it might be the same man who’s been calling her. I didn’t use any names. And that’s all I told her.” Emeton nodded. “She probably should know. Thank you. Did you get that other matter settled?” “Yes, sir.” “Good. Would you mind filling Jo in on the details after lunch? It smells like it’s almost done.” “Yes, sir. Do either of you know what it is?” “It’s not pork.” Ann grinned deviously. “What is it?” “I believe its fried chicken.” Nim growled. “Birds are bait.” Ann laughed. That seemed to be the dragons’ mantra.