Tiger Wings

Chapter 11

The next morning was a very different one for the princesses. It was early, and full of work. They divided the chores evenly according to the girls' interests. Tevra and Quinn ended up in the kitchen. Camella cleaned with Winoa and Veri. Leandra worked in the garden. Yemma followed her, and Eloanna pitched in everywhere, back and forth. Mostly Ginaeve sat in the kitchen.

Quinn arranged the dining room while Tevra took care of the animals in the yard. She collected the eggs and made sure to milk the cow before carrying the feed to the pigs and horses. The girls were cleaning their rooms on the third floor. It was their goal all day to do the work while having as much fun as possible with it. If chores were neglected for a day, that was all right. Most of them were only performed every couple days.

That's why the things that were important such as cooking and feeding the animals were left to the oldest. It wasn't just a game like feather-dusting could be. People had to eat it, which was why everyone was only too happy to deposit the position in their hands.

Tevra returned to the kitchen with a bucket of milk to find Quinn busy stirring something over the fire. "How is breakfast coming along?" she asked, setting it on the wooden countertop.

"If prayers can make something edible, this'll be fine," Quinn replied lightly.

"Do you think the princes will find it odd to eat with the servants?" Tevra asked as she retrieved a knife and board to cut fruit.

Quinn cocked her head. "Perhaps. But I'm sure they'll get over it."

"I'm not saying we'll change anything for them, but it will be interesting to see their faces when we serve them breakfast." Tevra laughed.

"Oh," Quinn groaned. "I'll probably spill something all down someone's shirt. Oh, but that brings me a wonderful idea. I'll simply stay in the kitchen."

"No," Tevra said firmly. "I can't do it all by myself. Besides, it's better for you to do it." She finished arranging the fruit platter and pushed it aside.

"You can get all the other girls to help you. Except Ginaeve." Quinn smiled teasingly at their sister, sitting by the kitchen's table, peering at the fruit to see if she liked any of it.

"Don't touch that," Tevra warned, holding up the knife she was now slicing bread with. "You'll get your food later, after everyone else is served."

"This is such a bore," she sighed. "Everyone will go away, and we'll be stuck working all day."

"Some of us anyway," Quinn muttered in amusement.

Tevra smiled. "Quinn, you will serve, it's part of your job, it's part of the fun."

"Fine." She held up her hands in surrender. "But I will not be held responsible for the poor fellow I'm going to cream."

"He'll get over it."

"The question is will I."

When it was almost time, one of the servants came in to see if they needed any help. After they shoed her away, and complemented her Upside-Down Day's dress all servant women had, it was time to serve. "Come along Quinn," Tevra said, tucking a loose strand of hair under the bandana tied around her head before picking up a tray.

Quinn sighed in frustration but obeyed and followed her older sister. The room to the dining room was open and Tevra nearly marched inside, determined to feel the same as every Upside-Down Day, but it was difficult with ten pairs of eyes turning to her in confusion.

It was comforting, at least, to hear the servants chatter as if nothing was unusual. Quinn left her burden on the table and scurried back to the kitchen. Tevra set hers down and spread the platters and pitchers across the table before following her.