Left Behind

An Invidia Short by AMI MEITSU

 

A/N: This story takes place when Invidia's 17 and in her senior year of high school, and for future reference, I have it so that the legal adult age in the Comet Empire is 18

 

'If X times the quantity of  +…oh! Who cares!' Invidia thought. "I'm sick of this!" she raged as she threw five pages worth of math problems on the floor.

 

"I know, but you have to prepare for your tests," her teacher, Mr. Salveiro said.

 

"But I already know all this stuff! And besides, I hate calculus! Can't I take a day off?" Invidia whined.

 

"No. The extra practice helps a lot and you know it. That's why you were number one in the district rank last year, remember?"

 

"So? That was just luck anyway. Last time I checked I wasn't supposed to be mixed in with other students!"

 

"Just because you're home schooled doesn't mean you're not on record through the school system. You follow the some curriculum as the advanced placement students at the private schools," Mr. Salveiro explained.

 

"I know that! I just thought…well, never mind! Can we do something else besides this?"

 

"Fine. Why don't we start on astrophysics?"

 

"That still involves math!" Invidia snapped.

 

"Then we'll do the theory questions first."

 

"Fine," Invidia growled, then she got out her textbook and started on the questions he specified. She worked for an hour before asking, "What's the point of all these tests anyway?"

 

"They're a graduation requirement."

 

"But there's no thrill in graduating anyway, I get a diploma and that's it."

 

"Not exactly," Mr. Salveiro said mysteriously.

 

"Hm?" Invidia looked at him.

 

"Your Father said that if you pass with high scores he's had it arranged so you can attend graduation at the academy he and your mother went to."

 

"I get to graduate at Mama's school?"

 

Mr. Salveiro nodded.

 

"Alright then, maybe we should go back to calculus."

 

"There we go," he patted her shoulder and she smiled as she began to write, even though she was secretly unhappy with the work itself. But, the thought of walking the same stage that Sabera had years before motivated her and she even worked for an extra two hours after the teacher had left, stopping only when her father interrupted.

 

"Princess?" he asked as he knocked on the door to the foyer where she normally worked.

 

"Yes?"

 

"We have a meeting now, remember? We have to discuss our upcoming mission."

 

"Oh, right." Invidia then got up, and leaving her stuff where it was, followed Zordar out of the foyer and into a meeting room down the hall.

 

She sat in her usual spot and half-listened as the Generals gave battle reports and conquering status. She only began to pay attention when Zordar started talking about their latest diplomatic mission plan.

 

"Now, I plan to leave out next week and…"

 

"Next week!?" Invidia stood up. "Father! We can't go next week! I have tests!"

 

Some of the officers snickered at that. They always seemed to find it amusing when her 'school girl problems', as they called them, got in the way of her royal duties.

 

"I'm sorry Invidia, but I can't change it."

 

"Yes you can! You're the higher power, aren't you?"

 

"Not in this case. I tried to push for next week, but they have some religious festival going on."

 

"Father," Invidia whined, causing more laughter.

 

"Sorry. Now, moving on…"

 

'This isn't right! I'm a huge help with diplomatic relations and he knows it! And if he can't move the mission then I'll just move the tests!' she thought, and, that night she called Mr. Salveiro up to tell him so. Unfortunately, she was met with more disappointment.

 

"What do mean you can't move the tests?! You're the test proctor!"

 

"It's not in my power to move your tests. You're required to take them at the same time as the academy students so that your scores can be processed in time to determine graduation status," he explained.

 

"Well, what if someone was sick, then what would happen?"

 

"They'd have to make it up. But don't you try anything! You rarely get sick, and if you do before a test you know I get suspicious."

 

'How could he possibly…oh I don't care!' Invidia thought, then she snapped, "I hate you! You and father and the damned school system! You can all burn in hell!" At that she slammed the phone down and stomped off down the hall.

 

"Shamura!" she called.

 

Shamura immediately came out of Zordar's room and went to her. "Yes, Mistress?" she asked.

 

"Go set my bath now. I want candles, food, lavender bubble soap, and anything else that'll make me feel better! Got it?!"

 

"Alright, just let me finish up," Shamura said, surprised at Invidia's attitude. She never yelled at Shamura, even on her worst days. 'Something's wrong.' Shamura thought. 'She never snaps at me, no matter how bad her mood is…'

 

She sighed and quickly finished up her errand for Zordar so she could set Invidia's bath up. 'I hope this works…' She thought as she lit the last candle and called Invidia in from her bedroom.

 

Invidia came in, sighed and then gave Shamura a look as she began to strip down, just leaving her clothes at her feet. Then, she quickly took the pin out of her hair and got into the bath with a sigh of relief.

 

Shamura then quietly picked up her clothes and threw them in with the laundry, secretly concerned since it wasn't normal for Invidia to just leave things lying around.

 

They sat in silence for a few minutes before she finally asked, "Mistress, what's wrong?"

 

"Father's going on diplomatic mission without me," Invidia said.

 

"But, why? I thought you always went on missions with him," Shamura said.

 

"I have to take some stupid tests."

 

"But can't you get out of it? You never seemed to have trouble rearranging things like this before."

 

"I tried, but Mr. Salveiro says that I have to take them at the same time as the academy students for my scores to be processed or something."

 

"I'm sorry," Shamura said as she began to rub Invidia's shoulders.

 

"It's not your fault," Invidia sighed.

 

"But it's still not right. Your father never goes without you. And, won't you miss him?"

 

"Of course, you know I hate being away from him."

 

Shamura gave her a sympathetic smile, just as a small knock came at the door.

 

"Invidia?" Zordar asked as he stuck his head in. "Why are you taking a bath now? Dinner's in half an hour."

 

"I'm not hungry," Invidia said.

 

"Not hungry, or you just don't want to see me?"

 

Invidia turned her head.

 

"Princess…"

 

"Leave," she said.

 

"Fine. We'll talk about this later…maybe when you put some clothes on," Zordar said. He left and didn't see Invidia again until bedtime. She had refused to come down to dinner and the seven o'clock meeting.

 

'She's still mad…I know it, why else would she be avoiding me? She normally can't wait to spend time with me…' he thought as he headed down the hallway to her bedroom.

 

"Princess?" he asked as he entered.

 

Invidia, who was sitting on the bed reading, immediately turned the other way.

 

"Come on Princess, don't be like this. You know I'd fix it if I could."

 

"Right…" Invidia scoffed as she put the book down and climbed into bed.

 

"Invidia, knock it off! You're not being reasonable about this!"

 

"Maybe I don't want to be reasonable!" Invidia sat up and turned toward him with a glare. "Maybe I just want to go on diplomatic mission with my father!"

 

"Invidia…" Zordar sighed as he walked over and sat on the bed. "I know how you feel; it's hard to keep up with both school and royal issues, especially as a senior."

 

"You seemed to do just fine with it."

 

"Not really. Balancing those and spending time with your mother took up a lot of time and was often stressful. And I went through the same thing you are; my parents had planned a trip the same week as the tests. Of course, theirs was a vacation, but it still felt horrid just the same. But, it wasn't all bad; I got to have some time to myself and some time alone with Sabera."

 

"Father…are you implying that you slept with her before you were married? You were only in high school!"

 

"Invidia, not everyone views, things the same. Yes, Sabera and I slept together before marriage, but only a few times. That was our choice. And if your choice is to wait until marriage then that's fine. I like to think of it as a preference thing."

 

"Wait, why are we having this conversation?" Invidia asked.

 

"You were the one who asked about it," Zordar said.

 

"Right, now, about the tests?"

 

"Right. The time alone gave me some time to do some extra studying and it was actually nice to be left alone, since I didn't get a lot of time for just myself. And after I took the tests I was relieved and just happy to get it over with, rather than be one of those that had to make it up. The make-up tests are harder you know."

 

"There goes my plan…" Invidia muttered.

 

Zordar gave a small laugh and placed a hand on Invidia's shoulder. "Don't try it, Salveiro is wise to your tricks remember? Besides, wouldn't you rather just get it done?"

 

"I guess…" Invidia muttered as she lay down.

 

"Just don't worry about it for now, you still have a week, remember?" Zordar said, then he kissed her head, turned out the light and left.

 

'A week…' Invidia thought as she began to drift to sleep. 'Yes, but only just a week…'

 

A week that felt like a year, Invidia realized. She spent every day studying, and when she wasn't studying she was forced to go to the staff meetings about the mission even though she wasn't even part of it. It frustrated her immensely, up to the point where she was just sick of everything…

 

'How can he tell me I'm wrong?! I've gotten the same answer six times! I know I'm right!' Invidia thought as she wrote down an equation for the seventh time.

 

"You're missing something," Mr. Salveiro told her.

 

At that, Invidia snapped. "I. Don't. Care." She hissed as she pressed her pencil down, making the lead snap. She then picked it up and broke it in half. "I've done this six times already! And I'm not doing it again! I know I'm right and if I'm not, then who cares? I'm done." Invidia snapped, then, she stood up, threw the broken pencil in a corner and stomped off.

 

Mr. Salveiro grabbed her arm. "No you're not. Sit back down and do it again, you'll never learn anything if you just give up," he said.

 

"Let go of me!" Invidia jerked her arm out of his grasp and ran with tears of frustration in her eyes. 'Doesn't he understand? I don't want to study! I want a break! All this week it's been nothing but studying and staff meetings! I haven't seen Father in forever and he leaves in two days! How can leave without saying as much as 'I love you' to me?!' Invidia thought as she came into her room, slammed the door and climbed up on the bed. There, she bit down on her blanket and screamed.

 

"I hate this, I hate this, I hate this!" she raged as she threw a pillow across the room.

 

"Princess, are you okay? I heard you scream…" Zordar said as he entered the room. "What's wrong?"

 

"Everything. Salveiro has me working twenty-four seven and I'm tired of going to staff meetings that I have no input it! I barely have five minutes to myself each day! Not to mention that I haven't seen you in days! How are you supposed to leave me alone without spending time with me?!"

 

"Oh, Princess, come here," Zordar held his arms out and Invidia went over to accept his hug. "I understand your frustrations, I went through the same thing, remember?"

 

"But I bet you didn't feel this bad." Invidia said.

 

"Trust me, I did, but I also didn't let it get to me. You need to calm down, it'll get better. I promise."

 

"How?"

 

"Well once the tests are over you won't have to worry about anything like it for awhile and if you do well you'll be able walk the same stage Sabera did, remember?"

 

Invidia smiled at that.

 

"You're so much prettier when you smile," Zordar complimented. "Now, come on, let's go back to the foyer and…"

 

"No," Invidia said, she knew what he was getting at.

 

"But Invidia, you really should…"

 

"No." she snapped.

 

"Fine, I'll go talk to him. You look like you need some rest anyway," At that, he left, thinking, 'She really does need a break maybe I can work something out…'

 

Invidia watched him for a minute before closing the door and climbing back into bed. This time, for sleep. She sighed a content sigh and snuggled into the blankets, only to find that she couldn't sleep.

 

'Oh well,' She thought. 'Maybe this is a good thing; I need to sleep tonight anyway for an early meeting…'

 

A meeting that was initially scheduled for six AM, but ended up being pushed back while some last minute preparations for the mission were being done. And while the time change sounded like a good idea, Invidia came to hate it, because, unfortunately, it coincided with her afternoon study session…

 

'Stupid Salveiro! Who studies on a Saturday? I should be listening to strategy plans not doing more math! On the bright side at least it's only a half-day session…' Invidia thought as she walked down the hallway to the foyer. "Alright, let's get this over with," she said with a flip of her hair as she stood in the doorway. When she got no response she looked up. 'Wait a minute…where is he?'

 

"He's not here," Zordar said as he came up behind her.

 

"What?! He's the one that scheduled this! How can he walk out on his own plans?!"

 

"He didn't. Yesterday I managed to convince him to let you have the day off."

 

"What?" Invidia looked at him.

 

Zordar nodded. "I thought about what you said, and you were right. I'm not going to leave without spending time with you. Only you."

 

"But what about the meeting?"

 

"It's actually an officer's meeting; we're not required to attend. They just thought we'd be helpful."

 

"Really? Then maybe we could go out somewhere, it is lunchtime," Invidia pondered. "Or, better yet. Why don't we make something together? It's been years since you last cooked with me."

 

"What?" Zordar said. "Invidia, I don't think I'd be much help, like you said, it's been years."

 

"Come on! It'll be fun, and I'll choose something easy, I promise." Invidia then grabbed his arm and led him into the kitchen, where they spend the next two hours making some kind of pasta dish Invidia liked. Then, Zordar convinced her to study for a bit before taking her out window shopping in the mall and then to dinner early in the evening.

 

"Father, isn't it a bit early to be eating dinner? It's only five," Invidia said as she read the menu and reached over to try and grab his wine glass.

 

Zordar slapped her hand away, saying, "First off, no, you're not legal yet. And second, I know it's early but I have some last minute things to do and then I plan on…do you want me to slap you again?"

 

Invidia pulled her hand away from the glass with a nervous smile.

 

"Two more months Princess, then you can start drinking. But until then, keep your hands off, understand?"

 

"Yes," Invidia sighed, but not from disappointment over her age, from the thought that this would be the last time she'd see her father before he left. It put her in a state of depression for a bit, before she realized she could nothing about it, so she just learned to accept it, even giving him a heartfelt sendoff that night when he put her to bed.

 

"Are you sure I can't come?" She asked as she looked up at him from her spot on the bed.

 

"I'm sure," Zordar said as he moved some hair out of her face.

 

"Oh well, have fun anyway."

 

"I'll try."

 

"I love you," Invidia whispered.

 

"I love you too; see you in a week, Princess." Zordar then kissed her head and left to go to bed himself.

 

Invidia fell asleep shortly after he left, and was soon roped into a strange dream where the mission didn't work out. A war started with Zordar in the middle of it and then…

 

"Father!" Invidia said as she sat up in bed. She quickly looked at the clock and gasped. "Four AM? Maybe he's still here!" At that, she threw back the covers, quickly grabbed her robe and slippers and ran down the hall.

 

The officers and guards coming in gave her strange looks. It wasn't normal for Invidia to come out in the morning without being decent.

 

But, she ignored them and kept running, only to find her Father at the bottom of the main staircase. "Father!" she called.

 

"Invidia?" He looked up as she ran down and threw her arms around him.

 

"Please, Father! Take me with you!" Invidia whined.

 

"I would if I was allowed to, you know that," Zordar said as he ran his hand through her hair.

 

"And you know that I'll miss you…"

 

"Of course, but you'll be fine, Shamura will be here. And besides, I need someone here to sign for the order."

 

"Order?"

 

"Remember those foreign flowers we pre-ordered a month ago? They've been shipped and should arrive sometimes this week."

 

"What does that have to do with you leaving?!"

 

"Maybe they'll cheer you up. I read that they're supposed to represent happiness."

 

"Good for them," Invidia said, a little irritable since she just woke up.

 

"Aw, you're just cranky. Shamura put her back to bed would you?" Zordar said.

 

"But…" Invidia started with a solemn look on her face.

 

"No. You need your rest. And don't worry, I'll be fine, see you in a week, and good luck on your tests."

 

"I love you…"

 

"I love you too, Princess," Zordar kissed her head. "See you soon."

 

"Bye…" Invidia whispered as she waved him off.

 

"Come on Mistress," Shamura said as she came up and put a hand on Invidia's shoulder. "You need to go back to bed." She then gave Invidia a small push toward the stairs.

 

Invidia took one last glance at her father and trudged up the stairs with Shamura at her heels.

 

"Why are you here anyway?" she asked.

 

"Your father commissioned me to stay with you while he was gone. He said you needed someone, and that he wanted someone to make sure you weren't skipping out on your tests."

 

"What? I thought he trusted me!"

 

"He does, normally. But you're so determined to go on this mission that he thought you'd try and scheme your way out of the tests so you could follow him."

 

"That's just like Father…" Invidia said with a roll of her eyes as they approached her bedroom.

 

"Just go to bed," Shamura ordered.

 

Invidia nodded and quietly climbed into bed as Shamura pulled her disheveled bed covers up.

 

"I'll see you later," Shamura whispered, "And don't worry about your Father or your tests for now, just relax." Shamura then gave her a quick pat on the shoulder and left.

 

'No promises…' Invidia thought as she settled into a spot and drifted off to sleep. An easier sleep than the one she was supposed get that night. She slept uneasily, worried about both Zordar and the tests.

 

"Failure…war…I couldn't be there…Father!" Invidia muttered, screaming the last part.

 

"Mistress?" Shamura said as she came in. She went over and began to shake Invidia. "Invidia! Invidia wake up!"

 

"Huh?" Invidia sat up and looked around. "What happened?" she asked.

 

"You were having a bad dream, that's all," Shamura said as she moved a strand of hair out of Invidia's face. "Do you want to talk about it?"

 

Invidia nodded. "This is the second time I've had this dream…"

 

"Tell me about it," Shamura then lay down facing her, it reminded her of being a child at a sleepover, lying together and sharing secrets after the parents had gone to bed…

 

Invidia stared at her for a minute. It reminded her of Shamura's mother, Nadeshiko. Nadeshiko was Sabera's best friend, and had looked after Invidia after Sabera died, caring for up until she was about nine. And when Zordar went away and Invidia had nightmares she'd climb into bed with her and gently talk to her and soothe her back to sleep in the same manner that Shamura was doing.

 

"Right now, you remind me of your mother…" Invidia said, ignoring Shamura's request.

 

Shamura smiled at that. "Mama used to do this for me when I was younger. It helps, trust me."

 

"I know, she did the same for me when Father used to go away when I was little. Speaking of Father, in my dream…" Invidia went on to tell Shamura all the details of her dream, from her failing the test, to the war and even about her mother's spirit being disappointed at her failure.

 

"Mistress, none of that is going to happen and you know it. You're father always does well on missions."

 

"When I'm there! He's never gone without me!"

 

"I'm sure he'll do fine, and so will you, you've been studying for weeks, there's no way you can fail. And even if you did, I'm sure your Mama would understand, everyone makes mistakes Mistress, she knows that." Shamura then pulled her into a hug. "So, don't worry about it. Okay?"

 

Invidia nodded. "And Shamura…"

 

"Hm?"

 

"Thank you…" She whispered as she slowly began to fall back asleep.

 

Shamura smiled and slowly got up, then she pulled the blankets up on Invidia and gave her a small pat on the shoulder. "Good night and good luck," she whispered before heading out.

 

Invidia slept soundly after she left, only to be awakened again at six AM so she could prepare for the day and her test, which started promptly at eight and ran until noon, with Invidia getting a ten minute break in the middle of the sessions and ten thirty.

 

"All right, you know the rules, so I don't think I need to explain," Mr. Salveiro said as he placed the exam in front of her.

 

Invidia sat in one of the meeting rooms, at the head of the table, alone. Her tests were always given under these conditions to make sure she didn't cheat and so that she'd have a quiet place to work.

 

"But doesn't your booklet say to read them?" Invidia asked.

 

"Yes, but I find it pointless, it just wastes time."

 

Invidia nodded as she pulled a dark blue pencil from her skirt pocket. It had her name inscribed on it in white cursive, and a topper shaped like a tiara. Invidia called it her 'Princess' pencil, and used it as a good luck charm, because, for some reason, she always got high scores after using it on a test.

 

"Alright then…" He looked at his watch for a moment and then said. "You may begin."

 

Invidia took in a breath before starting; it calmed her somewhat as she opened the booklet, only to find that her first question was an essay. 'Why?!' She thought. 'The first question is supposed to be easy, but this…wait, just calm down and read it…' Invidia looked it over. 'I know this! Maybe it won't be as difficult as I thought…' She then smiled to herself and started to write, easily breezing through the question and several more after it, until she came to the last question of the third session. 'What is that theory again?' she asked herself.

 

"Ten minutes," Mr. Salveiro noted.

 

'Come on Princess, think! You studied Astrophysics theories for an hour yesterday!The theory that states that the speed of light is proportional to the…I got it!' Invidia then quickly filled in the answer and closed the book.

 

"Done?"

 

Invidia nodded.

 

"Are you sure?" Mr. Salveiro elaborated.

 

"I'm sure! Can I take my break now?"

 

"Alright, but only after the official time is up."

 

Invidia groaned, put her head down and waited through the longest ten minutes of her life. It felt like an hour before he finally said, "Time's up."

 

"Thank goodness," Invidia sighed as a knock came at the door.

 

"Yes?" Mr. Salveiro asked.

 

"It's Shamura, I have something for Invidia."

 

"Come in."

 

Shamura did so, and placed a dish in front of Invidia.

 

"What's this?" Invidia asked.

 

"Fruit salad. You didn't eat much this morning and I figured you'd appreciate a snack," Shamura said.

 

"I do, thank you," Invidia said.

 

Shamura smiled and sat next to her as she began to eat. They sat in silence for a moment before Shamura asked. "So, how's the test?"

 

"Boring, like always. Has Father called yet?"

 

"No. But I'm sure he will. He's probably waiting until after you're done here."

 

"You're right. He probably just doesn't want to disturb me while I'm testing."

 

"But he will call, he promised."

 

"Alright, break's over," Salveiro said. "Shamura, leave."

 

Shamura nodded, took the dish and left. As soon as she was gone Invidia sighed and opened the book again.

 

Two more sessions of torture…' She thought as she began to write.

 

The last two sections proved to be as easy as the first, so much so that Invidia was done before noon, however, just as he had before, Salveiro made her stay until time was officially up, but Invidia didn't mind, because afterwards, save for a few staff meetings, she was she was free for the rest of the day.

 

"Time's up," Mr. Salveiro said after fifteen minutes of silence.

 

"Finally!" Invidia stood up and put her pencil back in her pocket.

 

"It's not over yet, you have calculus tomorrow, remember?"

 

Invidia groaned.

 

"Don't give me that, you know the order of your tests."

 

"Doesn't mean I have to like it…" Invidia muttered as she left. As soon as she left the room she made her way up to her sitting room, not even taking notice of the flowers on the hall table. She just trudged up the stairs and fell onto her couch when she reached the room.

 

'Who would have thought that sitting and writing could be so tiring?' she thought, then she sighed and looked over at the coffee table, on it was a black vase with a bouquet of red and purple flowers. She immediately sat up.

 

"Shamura!"' She called, hoping she was near.

 

"Yes, Mistress?" Shamura asked as she came in with a laundry basket in hand.

 

"Where'd these come from?"

 

"They came in at eleven while you were still testing. I signed for them and set up the arrangements Zordar listed, what do you think?"

 

"It's cute, I guess."

 

"There's just no pleasing you this week, is there?"

 

"Not until Father calls," Invidia said.

 

"He will, just be patient."

 

Invidia sighed, but she did manage to wait, and wait and wait, up until it was time for her bath.

 

"Why hasn't he called?" Invidia whined as Shamura rubbed her shoulders.

 

"Maybe he's busy. The planet is on a different time you know."

 

"I don't care I just want to talk to him!"

 

As soon as she said so, her phone rang. Shamura looked up, shook out her hands and went to answer, coming back with it in hand.

 

"I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count," she teased.

 

Invidia held her hand out, but was disappointed when Shamura handed her a hand towel instead. She gave her a look, and then dried off her hands and held one out again.

 

Shamura handed her the phone.

 

"Daddy?" she asked.

 

"You must really miss me," Zordar said on the other end.

 

"Why do you say that?"

 

"You only call me 'Daddy' if you're in trouble or upset."

 

Invidia blushed. "Oh, well…I…"

 

Zordar laughed. "But it's cute…it means you love me enough to miss me."

 

"Of course I miss you! It's not the same without you!"

 

"Same here, it's hard not having you with me. But I'm fine. What about you? How are the tests?"

 

"Boring. But I guess that's to be expected. And how's the mission?"

 

"Well…"Zordar went on to tell her about what he was working on, how the royals were, where he was staying…things of that nature. Invidia listened carefully, interjecting every once in a while with her own ideas while Shamura watched.

 

'She's so cute sometimes…and it's obvious she misses him, with the way her eyes lit up after I gave her the phone…' she thought as she smiled.

 

"One more question…" Zordar said.

 

"Hm?" Invidia said.

 

"Who's my little Princess?"

 

"Father, don't make me say it!"

 

"Who's my little Princess?" he asked again.

 

"Me," Invidia admitted.

 

"Yes."

 

Invidia laughed. "I love you."

 

"I love you too. And I'll call back tomorrow, okay?"

 

"Alright, bye."With that, Invidia clicked the phone off and held it out to Shamura, who carefully took it.

 

"You seem happy," she commented.

 

"I am, I'd been waiting so long I thought he forgot or maybe that something was wrong. But he explained everything, and it sounds like he's having a good time, and it makes me feel a little better knowing that he's doing well, it means I don't have to worry."

 

"I like your thinking. But despite that, you have to get out."

 

"Why?"

 

"Mistress, you have to go to bed. You want to be well rested for tomorrow, don't you?"

 

"I guess," Invidia sighed as she accepted the towel Shamura had and got out. She then quickly dried off and changed. Then, Shamura did her hair and put her to bed, which now had extra beauty due to the newly placed vase on the nightstand.

 

"Good night," Shamura said.

 

"Night," Invidia whispered as she accepted a hug from her friend, who, after she was sure Invidia was asleep, snuck back into the bathroom and quietly cleaned up. After she was finished, she quietly tip-toed out of the room and left Invidia to her dreams until she had to wake her up again the next morning for her calculus test.

 

"Mistress, wake up, you're late, and you still have to take a shower and eat," Shamura said as she ran a hand along Invidia's cheek.

 

Invidia groaned, but she did get up, though, she didn't look well.

 

"Are you alright?" Shamura asked.

 

"Yeah, why?" Invidia looked at her.

 

"You just look, tired…"

 

"I guess I am," As soon as Invidia said so, she sneezed, twice.

 

"Bless you."

 

"Thanks," Invidia pulled a tissue from the box on her nightstand."What's for breakfast?"

 

"Assorted pastries, the chefs made a tray for you in the dining room."

 

"Then what am I sitting here for?" Invidia then threw back the covers and went into her smaller bathroom for her shower. It normally woke her up, but today, it just seemed to make her sleepier.

 

'What's wrong with me?' She thought with a yawn. 'I remember sleeping…I think, and why does my head feel so heavy? Oh well, it's probably nothing, and even it was something I know Salveiro won't buy it. Besides, I'm probably just nervous, calculus isn't my favorite subject. I mean, I can do it; it's just annoying! Numbers confuse me anyway…' Invidia sighed and stepped out of the shower, then, after a nice breakfast she forced herself to go take her test, which wasn't as easy as she had thought.

 

"If you take it to this power and multiply…" she muttered.

 

"Ten minutes," Mr. Salveiro reported.

 

"But I still have three problems!" Invidia whined.

 

"No talking to the proctor."

 

"Humph." Invidia pouted as she quickly put the numbers into her calculator. When it didn't give her any of the choices she gave up and moved to the next two problems, coming back with only three minutes left.

 

'Come on…think…if you carry the four and then…wait a minute! Not four! Six! I got it!' She thought as she rewrote the equation and found her answer, with only twenty seconds to spare. She sighed with relief and calmed even more when Shamura brought her a snack, but despite the calm aura in the room she still felt horrible, her feelings from the morning had gotten worse. She felt so bad at times that she considered just leaving, but remembering what Zordar said about the make-up tests, she pushed herself through it, stopping halfway through session four when she thought of her father.

 

'I wonder what he's doing right now…' she thought, then she started imagining him in a huge resort, surrounded by palm trees, and tropical plants with the scent of the ocean in the air, then she heard him say.

 

"Who needs Invidia?"

 

She made a pair of fists and slammed one on the table. "How dare he say that!?" she raged.

 

Mr. Salveiro put a hand on her shoulder.

 

"You okay?" he asked.

 

"Yes…" Invidia said. 'I think…'

 

She continued on and after the test she went back to her bedroom and lay down for a nap that Shamura woke her up from two hours later.

 

"Mistress, come on. You have a meeting remember?"

 

Invidia groaned and slowly sat up. As soon as she did, she went into a fit of coughing.

 

"Are you sure you're okay?" Shamura felt her head. "You don't have a fever…but you don't look good. Stay here, I'm going to call Dr. Baisley."

 

Invidia just nodded while Shamura left. When she came back she had Invidia's blanket in hand.

 

"I was wondering where that went!" Invidia gave her a look.

 

"I washed it this morning, and didn't remember until I found it on my bed." Shamura handed it to her, and they sat and talked for a bit until Dr. Baisley arrived.

 

"Long time, no see, Princess," he said.

 

"I haven't been sick, that's why."

 

"And you skipped your physical last month."

 

"I was on a mission!" Invidia snapped.

 

"Yes, yes, I know. And I'm re-scheduling it for this Saturday, no complaints."

 

"Fine…"

 

"Good, now let's see what's up with you…" He went over and did the normal check or her heart, lungs, temperature and throat. Then he asked both Shamura and Invidia about her symptoms. And, after they told him he pondered for a bit.

 

"Well, you're not sick, that's good. And the weather never changes so it can't be dry air…" He thought for a minute. "But the sneezing…Invidia, do you have any allergies?"

 

"Not that I know of," Invidia said.

 

"It can't be, she was fine yesterday, and she's lived here her whole life with no problems," Shamura pointed out.

 

"Then something changed…"

 

"Well excepted for my test I don't think…" Invidia was cut off by another sneeze.

 

Dr. Baisley watched as she reached over for another tissue and noticed the vase on the nightstand.

 

"Were those there before?" he asked.

 

"They just came in yesterday," Shamura informed him.

 

"The same time this started, am I correct?"

 

Invidia nodded.

 

"Then the flowers are probably the issue."

 

"Well, the note they came with did say they produce three times the pollen of normal flowers."

 

"That might explain why she's never had allergies to any other flower you've had. But, just to be sure, I want you to do something for me…" He said as he began to write out something.

 

"What?" Invidia asked.

 

"First, I'm going to prescribe you an allergy regimen."

 

"Okay."

 

"And after you take that, tonight I want all of these flowers removed from your room and any place they were scrubbed down so there are no pollen particles. If you wake up feeling fine it'll prove that it's the flowers. Once we confirm that we can get rid of them."

 

"Not until Father comes back, he ordered them to cheer me up," Invidia said. "And I don't think he'll believe me without proof."

 

"Very well then, but until that time you have to take the medication every night, understand?" Dr. Baisley gave her a look; he knew how Invidia was with medication.

 

"Fine…" Invidia pouted.

 

"Thank you doctor," Shamura nodded to him and he left. "Now, I'll go take care of this and you go to that meeting," she said to Invidia.

 

Invidia nodded and got up while Shamura left. When she came back she went through and removed the three vases from her room and got a humidifier, and then, later that night, she finished it off by giving Invidia her medication. To her relief it was a pill and not some liquid or nasal spray.

 

"I hope this works," Invidia said. "I'm sick of feeling like crap."

 

"I hope it does too, night Mistress."

 

"Night," Invidia said, then they hugged and Shamura left.

 

Invidia fell asleep almost immediately because of something in the medication and when she woke up she felt so much better. Though, it did not last long, being in a meeting room with four vases and two wreath arrangements did not bode well with her, and she was back to feeling like crap at the end of her test that day and the next day. After both of them she went up to her room, where she had been sleeping after every test, except for the last one. Shamura came in that afternoon to find her lying in bed, clutching her blanket, and crying.

 

"Mistress, what's wrong?" She asked as she sat down.

 

"A lot. I feel horrid, these tests have just worn me out and so have the meetings, and Father hasn't called in two days, I think he forgot about me," Invidia whined, then she put her head down and cried harder.

 

"Oh, Invidia, don't think that, he loves you. And he did call this morning, but you were testing, so I told him to call back this evening."

 

"Fine, but I don't think it'll help! Why can't I just have some time to myself?"

 

Shamura put a hand on her shoulder. "I'll tell you what, how about we have a girls' day tomorrow? I'll take you to my spa."

 

"Really?" Invidia looked at her with wide, hopeful eyes.

 

"Of course. Your tests are over so it should be fine. And no strange flowers," Shamura said.

 

"Promise?"

 

"I promise."

 

Invidia smiled and went to bed that night the happiest she'd been in days. And the next morning she woke up early to get ready, Shamura had a few objections though.

 

"Take that off," she said when she saw Invidia in her blue and black gown.

 

"Why?"

 

"We're going to a spa; you have to wear something casual with sandals. Besides, you want to show off your pedicure, don't you?"

 

"I guess," Invidia sighed as Shamura handed her some clothes.

 

"Here put these on."

 

Invidia did as she was told and came back out in an off-the-shoulder purple top and a black skirt with black sandals; in her hand she carried a purple purse.

 

"Much better, let's go." Shamura grabbed her arm and led her out to her car.

 

Once they arrived, heads turned. Most of the staff seemed to know Shamura, and they were all thrilled to have the Princess with them.

 

"Shamura, you said she was pretty, but you were lying. She's absolutely gorgeous," One of the stylists said as he ran a hand through her hair. "And such silky hair too…My dear, have you ever thought of getting a body wave?"

 

"No. I like my hair the way it is, thank you. However, Shamura does curl the ends every once in awhile."

 

"I can do that," he said.

 

"Well…uh…"

 

"Back off," The owner said as she came through. "You'll all get your turns." She leaned toward Invidia and whispered, "don't mind them, they're just happy to be among royalty."

 

"Can I just get my appointment started?" Invidia asked.

 

"Well, you're pushy."

 

"She's had a long week, Francesca," Shamura said. "Tests and meeting and allergies, it wasn't pretty."

 

"No wonder you're so eager to get started, that's way too much to deal with in one week! Now where should we start?" Francesca muttered as she looked over the appointment log Shamura had filled out.

 

"My nails," Invidia said.

 

"Very well then, Max?"

 

A short woman with a black flower clip in her hair came over. "Yes?" she said.

 

"You get her first," Francesca said with a wink, then she walked off and Max lead Invidia over to her table.

 

"What's 'Max' short for?" Invidia asked.

"Maxine. Now, choose a color."

 

"Cute…" Invidia said, then she chose a dark purple color that matched her top and let Max go to work. After that she was taken off for several different treatments Shamura had arranged, including a hair and makeup session. Then, Francesca took her to the second floor, which was actually a fashion boutique and let her have any dress she wanted half-price. Invidia chose a long, black dress with a white sideways sash and white rose at the right end of the sash.

 

"Mistress, you look beautiful," Shamura complimented. She stood behind Invidia as she looked in the mirror.

 

"It's true, but I think it needs something…" The hair stylist said.

 

"What more could it need? She looks perfect, and the curls are amazing…" Shamura said.

 

"I got it!" He said as he came over and placed a white rose barrette in her hair.

 

"I like it," Invidia said.

 

"I thought you might."

 

Shamura smiled as she watched, then Invidia changed and paid for everything before heading back home with Shamura for a six PM meeting and dinner session. She wore a different dress though, saving the newest one for the day Zordar came back. That evening she had planned to make him a nice dinner as a 'welcome home' present.

 

"I'm going to make his favorite dishes, all from scratch," she told Shamura when she went to bed that night.

 

 

"Sounds like you have it all planned out."

 

Invidia nodded. "I can't wait…two more days…" she muttered as she fell asleep.

 

Shamura smiled and left to go to bed herself in a guest room across the hall. She did get up later, however, and went to go get a drink from the kitchen. And as she was looking through the fridge she heard a noise.

 

'What was that?' she thought. 'Maybe someone got in…' She then grabbed a steak knife from one of the dish rooms and snuck out into the lobby where she heard the noise. She quickly flipped on the light and slowly walked into it, then she felt a hand on her shoulder.

 

"Who's there?!" She gasped as she flipped around and pointed the knife out forward with her eyes closed. When she heard nothing, she slowly opened them, shocked at what she saw. "Zordar?"

 

"Any closer and I would have fired you," he said as he gently pushed the knife away from his face.

 

"I'm sorry…I just thought…why are you sneaking around anyway?"

 

"I'm not… I just got in. They're preparing for their festival tomorrow and want nothing to do with politics so they let me go but, they'll be here next week to finalize the treaty and have a reception. Now where's Invidia?"

 

"It's three AM, where do you think she is?"

 

"Right…" Zordar muttered, then he headed up the stairs and into her room. He smiled at what he saw, Invidia lay sound asleep with her hand up by her face, muttering something about color… He then went over and knelt next to the bed.

 

"Princess?" He said as he stroked her face with his hand.

 

"Father?" She muttered as she looked up at him.

 

"Hi," he moved some hair out of her face.

 

"Father, you're early!"

 

"I know, I just came to say 'hi' and see how you were doing."

 

"I'm sleepy, that's how I'm doing."

 

"What about your allergies? Do you still feel bad?"

 

"How…how do you…?"

 

"Shamura called me yesterday. And don't worry, I'll get rid of the flowers tomorrow, we'll give them to the officers or something."

 

Invidia gave a sleepy nod.

 

"Aw, you go back to sleep now, alright?" Zordar patted her shoulder and she put her head back down.

 

"I love you," she said.

 

"I love you too, Princess," Zordar said back as he picked up her fallen blanket and draped it over her, then he gave her a light kiss on the head and left. He headed into his own room thinking, It's good to be back…