Coreopsis 12 b

   From the kitchen, servers appeared with small covered plates. Sarah noticed one of the servers was Josh. James took his lid off first to expose a salad. He took a bite as everyone watched. Sarah was amazed at their behavior. But then she had never dined with a Royal Family before. When King James took his second bite, everyone else removed their lids and began eating; except Orion.

   “So,” James broke through the clatter of forks on porcelain.

   Sarah looked up to notice Orion hadn’t uncovered his plate. “Did you forget something?” She asked.

   His expression was mournful and distant, “perhaps.”

   The room was once more filled with the clinking of porcelain and silver, “PHD or MD?” James asked.

   “Both sire.”

   “No, call me James. That’s my name.”

   She nodded, “as you wish.”

  “You’re well educated.” He grinned.

  “Where did you go to school?” Roa asked.

   “Bredone.”

   “I didn’t think women were allowed to attend Bredone.” Floria questioned.

   The servers appeared, removing everyone’s plates.

   “I was part of an experiment. They admitted twenty women to see what we (women) could achieve.”

   “You did well.” James remarked.

   “Thank you.”

   The servers brought out the next dish. The family followed the same routine for the soup as they did the salad.

   “So what are you doing here?” Juliah asked.

   “I don’t know.”

   “You go places without knowing what you’re going to do?” Paul seemed shocked.

   “Dr. Carter and I have been friends for a long time. I come to my friends when they call.”

   “Dr. Carter is busy.” James told everyone. “I’m sure he will come get you when he is ready.”

   “I am sure he will.” Sarah smiled.

   “And guess what we have?” Orion just stared at her.

   She started giggling, clapping her hands. “Hot water!” 

   “Not an endless supply but I’d say enough to make you happy.”

   “Yeah, I love hot water.” She sighed.

   Roa asked, “Was there no hot water on the train?”

   “Luke warm,” Orion answered.