IN THE GOOD HALF-HOUR it took to scrub out all the dirt and grime from my skin and hair, Sian, Loi, Ada, and Elena achieved plenty. By the time I stepped out to dry my hair, Leseach having used the shower in Loi's quarters, they'd packed everything I would need plus the enormous list of items Kassie apparently needed.

It made all the stuff I, a Queen, needed look pitiful in comparison.

As I exited my quarters and re-entered the common area of the other quarters, a ...