Kabibi was a rather tall and striking young woman—very attractive—and at 19 years, not much older then Mary. And though she'd never been schooled in the manners of royalty or nobility, in her childhood community, poise and dignity were valued, along with basic courtesy. In the Order, those had been matured and polished, made more cosmopolitan, less culture-specific. And her voice and accent were aesthetic.
She applied at the palace for employment as a scribe. Luis's hope was, she'd be assigned to the Princess Mary. When Kabibi asked "Why Mary?" he'd said he didn't know yet. His warrior muse seemed to be waiting for further developments.
That was real to her.
She'd come to the Order literate, and in it her reading had been considerably expanded. Her spellings fitted cultivated practice, she wrote legibly, neatly yet rapidly, and where desired, calligraphically. If hired, she was most likely to work for His Majesty's secretary, who employed scribes for making multiple copies of reports and correspondence. Elvi also used a scribe for copying her adminstrative reports, would-be regulations etc., but she preferred servants less good-looking than the face that peered back from her mirror.
Making copies was a duty of Mary's handmaiden, as well, because Mary carried on a considerable correspondence. And though Luis hadn't known it, her present handmaiden was about to marry and move to Noka, a good day's ride northwest.2 The availability of the position had not yet been made public, so Kabibi was the first candidate examined.
It was the king's secretary, Lord Brookins, who screened her for the opening. Impressed, he commented briefly on being handmaiden to a princess. "Her highness," he finished, "has a pleasant personality, but she must and does require full and proper respect for her position. And it is she, guided by precedent, who decides how her servants shall conduct themselves. On the other hand, I have never known her to be unreasonable in dealing with anyone, and I believe you would find her a good mistress." He smiled benignly. "I do suggest, however, that you appear . . . less strong. Less in charge.
"If she approves you for the position, we will set a date for you to move to the palace and commence your duties. You must be prepared." He paused. "Meanwhile be aware that others are sure to apply, and the princess may choose someone else. If this happens, do not take it as criticism. You have demonstrated skill with both language and pen; you are attractive and intelligent; and so far as I have observed, you comport yourself nicely. But Mary is looking for someone to be a close friend and companion as well as a servant, so the applicant's personality must fit well with hers. You understand I'm sure."
"Of course," Kabibi said. We'll see, she thought. If not Mary, then perhaps Lord Brookins. He seems very nice, and the secretary to a king is bound to have privileged information.
But she'd bet he was no gossip. And at any rate, the job Luis wanted her to have was with Princess Mary.
When Kabibi had left, Brookins penned a summary of the interview and signed it approved, then sent it to Mary. Who perused it, examined Kabibi's writing samples, then ordered her own appointment with the candidate. She sent a courier to Kabibi, who had taken a room with an elderly couple from Soggo to hide her association with the Order.
The next day Kabibi arrived at the palace and was taken to the princess's apartment.